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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. To what Italian city does Arthur travel to attend a prize ceremony?

2. What job does Peter Hunt perform for Arthur Less?

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

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

5. Who painted the nude portrait of Arthur when he was a young man?

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

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

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

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

6. What is the relationship between Freddy and Carlos?

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topic 2

Discuss how the themes of truth and lies are interwoven within the novel’s narrative.

Essay Topic 3

How does the theme of isolation function within the novel and what is the author's message regarding this theme?

(see the answer keys)

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