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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. For how many years did the relationship between Arthur Less and Freddy last?

2. The narrator describes the ride home from the tour of Mexico City as "half as charming" (61) as the ride there, due to being what?

3. What is the name of the local writer who acts as Arthur's escort during his time in Mexico?

4. In what decade of life had Arthur Less been when his work was first published?

5. For whom is the stadium in Parque Mexico named?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. How do Arthur and Robert meet?

6. How does Arthur feel after his relationship with Robert ends?

7. What are Arthur's feelings about the works of the science fiction writer H. H. H. Mandern?

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

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

10. What is the significance of Arthur's habit of not wearing a watch?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the author's choice of a narrator who is omniscient, yet who is also a real character within the narrative.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the author's use of humor alongside humanist messages within the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the many instances of irony within the novel's narrative and analyze the author's purpose for including each instance you discuss.

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This section contains 990 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample