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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. In what sport had Arthur's one moment of athletic prowess occurred when he was 12 years old?

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

3. Where did Robert's ring lost at the produce store end up being found?

4. With what objects does Arthur always travel that he thinks of as his portable gym?

5. With what group of artists and writers was Arthur Less once associated?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. What does Arthur eventually decide about avoiding heartbreak?

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

4. What is the actual sound being made when Arthur believes the sound of thunder to be interrupting his reveries during the Italian award ceremony?

5. What is the nature of the current relationship between Arthur and Robert?

6. What does Freddy mean when he calls Arthur the bravest person he knows?

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

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

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

10. What is the narrator's hypothesis about why Arthur spends nine years with Freddy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the author's message regarding recognition within the literary world.

Essay Topic 2

Determine the author's message regarding the relationship between comedy and tragedy depicted within the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Write a critical essay about the novel while using the critical power theory lens of queer theory. Use textual evidence to back up your strong, specific claim regarding the treatment of gender roles, sexual identity, and other issues related to queer theory that can be found in the book.

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This section contains 860 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample