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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. What causes Marian to be unable to attend the festival in Mexico City where she had been scheduled to appear with Arthur?

2. In what city had Arthur Less spent his fortieth birthday, alone and lonely?

3. For what occasion has Arthur Less been asked to interview the science fiction writer?

4. In what month does the novel open?

5. For how long was Arthur romantically involved with the professor, Howard?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. For what purpose has Arthur come to New York City and what is its end result?

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

4. What is the relationship between Freddy and Carlos?

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

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

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

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

9. What does Arthur eventually decide about avoiding heartbreak?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Trace the characterization arc of Arthur’s character throughout the novel. Discuss whether he is a round or flat character and whether he is a static or dynamic character.

Essay Topic 2

Analyze Lewis's feelings about his separation from his husband Clark after 20 years of marriage. Discuss the author's tone in describing Lewis's apparent peace with their parting. What message is the author sending about relationships and how one can measure the success of a particular relationship?

Essay Topic 3

Look carefully at the passages within the chapter Less German that describe Arthur's preferred teaching methods and his students' reactions to these methods. What is the author's purpose for discussing at length the nature of Arthur's role as a teacher?

(see the answer keys)

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