View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Starbuck describes his office in the Nixon White House as a __________ cell.

2. Mary Kathleen calls the men who've helped Starbuck "_____."

3. What connection has Starbuck not made by Chapter 20?

4. Why does Leen wait on Starbuck so diligently?

5. What pleasant surprise does Starbuck have in the diner?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Leen mistake Starbuck for Mrs. Graham?

2. What is ironic about Mary Kathleen's death?

3. Why are Starbuck's reunions with Mary Kathleen and Clewes a climax of "Jailbird"?

4. Does Clewes accept Starbuck's apology? What is his response?

5. How does Leen feel about Mrs. Graham? How can you tell?

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. Have Mary Kathleen, Clewes, and Starbuck moved past their ugly past?

9. How is Vonnegut invoking the senses of Starbuck's experience in his writing?

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

Starbuck discusses he has only loved four women in his life. Those women are Sarah, Mary Kathleen, Ruth, and his mother. Discuss how Starbuck loves. What is his impact on those people, and what is their influence over him?

Essay Topic 2

Real historical events are what drive the story and define the characters of "Jailbird." Discuss the force of reality on this fictional story.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss how Starbuck's narrative voice reflects his mind and the effect on the reader's experience and understanding.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 701 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample