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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When Freddy and Arthur are sitting in the bar and are describing one another using one sentence, Freddy describes Arthur using what adjective?
(a) Brave.
(b) Scared.
(c) Passive-aggressive.
(d) Angry.

2. What food does Arthur Less eat for dinner in order to make up for the extravagance of seeing a Broadway show on his first night in New York City?
(a) A slice of pizza.
(b) A hot dog.
(c) A gyro.
(d) A teriyaki plate.

3. The one step on Arthur's itinerary that qualifies as an act of self-indulgence is his sojourn across what country?
(a) Greece.
(b) Morocco.
(c) Mazatlan.
(d) Italy.

4. How many other poets from the Russian River School are still alive besides Robert?
(a) Zero.
(b) One.
(c) Two.
(d) Three.

5. With what group of artists and writers was Arthur Less once associated?
(a) The Merry Pranksters.
(b) The Lost Generation.
(c) The Beat Generation.
(d) The Russian River School.

Short Answer Questions

1. While Arthur had assumed that Mexico City would be like Phoenix on a smoggy day, what city does he say it is actually like once he sees it?

2. Biologically, how is Freddy related to Carlos?

3. In what month does the novel open?

4. What was the title of Arthur Less's first novel?

5. On what day of the Mexican festival is Arthur scheduled to speak?

Short Essay Questions

1. What epiphany does Arthur have about heterosexual men during his search for his lost ring in the produce section?

2. Why does Arthur automatically lie when he is asked whether he has ever been to Mexico?

3. What is Arthur's reaction to Carlos's suggestion that he needs to "get an edge" (6) in order to decrease his level of vulnerability?

4. What is ironic about Arthur's acceptance of the offer to teach a course in Germany?

5. What is ironic about Marian's last words to Arthur before he dives into the ocean during their first meeting?

6. What are the reasons for Arthur's exhaustion the first morning he wakes up in Mexico?

7. What is the significance of Arthur's temporary loss of the ring given to him by Robert on their fifth anniversary?

8. What does the grandfather clock in the opening scene symbolize?

9. How do Arthur and Robert meet?

10. What other two prize ceremonies are called to Arthur's mind at the awards ceremony in Italy?

(see the answer keys)

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