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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 whom is the stadium in Parque Mexico named?

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

3. At what age did Arthur Less start a romance with the poet Robert Brownburn?

4. The one step on Arthur's itinerary that qualifies as an act of self-indulgence is his sojourn across what country?

5. What career did Freddy inhabit after he graduated from college?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the relationship between Freddy and Carlos?

3. What does Arthur eventually decide about avoiding heartbreak?

4. What does the grandfather clock in the opening scene symbolize?

5. For what purpose does Arthur accept all of the literary invitations he has received?

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Explicate the theme of innocence within the novel, particularly in relation to the novel's protagonist. What is the author's message regarding innocence and how do you know?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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