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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. Bill's wife has moved to ________________.

2. Which two characters help Bill to quit drugs?

3. Who does Bill communicate with at the end of this segment?

4. Rollins diagnose Bill with ______________.

5. Why do Bill and Pat decide to stop selling?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is yage?

2. How does the government help Bill and Old Ike continue their habits?

3. How is drink affecting Bill in a bad way in Segment 10?

4. What are Bill's relationship with drugs in Segment 11?

5. What is Bill's situation by the end of this segment?

6. Describe the drug trade in Mexico.

7. Summarize the novel.

8. What information does Gains bring about Bill's old acquaintances?

9. Describe Bill's time with the young drug users.

10. Describe Bill's time in Texas in Section 8.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine the novel's dialogue. How does Burroughs' dialogue contribute to the following areas:

1) Character

2) Setting

3) Plot

Essay Topic 2

Examine Burroughs' writing style. How would you describe Burroughs' prose style? What kind of vocabulary does he use? Does he use any specific writing techniques? What meaning does Burroughs' style give to the story?

Essay Topic 3

Look at the structure of the novel.

1) How does Burroughs use character and dialogue to drive the narrative.

2) Discuss elements of the narrative structure: exposition, conflict, complication, climax, resolution and conclusion. Do all the elements make for a logical and linear story? How does the story's structure express the novel's themes?

3) Away from the main character examine the way Burroughs uses the other characters in the story. When does he introduce and take them away from the story? What effect does it have on the story?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 714 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample