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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. The final jury that awards the prize for which Arthur is nominated is composed of 12 what?

2. What crucial question did Arthur realize he had never asked Robert during their trip to Mexico?

3. During their first meeting on the beach, what does Marian advise Arthur to do with his youth?

4. How often do Robert and Arthur still speak?

5. Biologically, how is Freddy related to Carlos?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. What is Arthur's literary agent's reaction to Arthur's latest novel?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine the topic of the fine arts within the novel. Arthur describes his fascination with a particular exhibit of Japanese artifacts in Washington, D.C. to which his mother takes him as a child. There are several visits to museums within the novel, both in the past and in the present, and the vast majority of the characters in the novel have jobs involving literature in some way. What is the author's message regarding fine art and what its purpose should be?

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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

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