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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why did Mary Kathleen receive shock treatments?

2. When was the last time Starbuck cried?

3. Leen believes Mrs. Graham is there in disguise _________.

4. What is Mary Kathleen still working towards?

5. What is the fate of RAMJAC?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why are Starbuck, Clewes, Edel, and Ubriaco "saints" to Mary Kathleen?

2. As far as Starbuck knows, why are he and the other "saints" at Leen's apartment?

3. Why does Starbuck face more jail time after Mary Kathleen's death?

4. Why does Starbuck cry when he sees Mary Kathleen?

5. What does Mary Kathleen personify? What is Vonnegut saying?

6. Why does the harp salesman want to call the police on Starbuck?

7. Why doesn't Mary Kathleen remember the bad things of Starbuck's life?

8. Does Mary Kathleen believe people are good? Why or why not?

9. What is rain supposed to symbolize in the Epilogue?

10. To Mary Kathleen, why does Starbuck have a good heart?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the metaphor of Fender's story of "Vicuna."

Essay Topic 2

Starbuck, even after spending years in prison, continues to commit crime. Discuss Starbuck's decisions. Why does he do what he does? What does he think will happen?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout "Jailbird" events foreshadow others, weaving the story together by more than plot. Discuss the use of foreshadowing in "Jailbird" and the effect on the narrative.

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