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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. Where is Solomon dropped off in a cab for work in Book 3, Chapter 9: "Part of the Parts"?

2. In what war did Gloria lose two brothers?

3. What does the tag on the man's bag in front of Jaslyn at the airport say in Book 4, Chapter 12: "Roaring Seaward, And I Go"?

4. How long after making love to Adelita for the first time does Corrigan die in the car accident?

5. Whose funeral does Tillie say she wasn't allowed to attend in Book 2, Chapter 7: "This is the House That Horse Built"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What impact has Corrigan’s death had on Adelita’s perceptions of their relationship in Book 3, Chapter 10: “Centavos”?

2. Who is the protagonist of Book 4, Chapter 12: “Roaring Seaward, And I Go”? How would you describe the narrative style of this chapter?

3. Who visits the prison in Book 2, Chapter 7: “This is the House That Horse Built”? Why?

4. Who is the protagonist of Book 3, Chapter 9: “Part of the Parts”? Where was this character previously introduced?

5. How would you describe the narrative style of Book 3, Chapter 10: “Centavos”?

6. How does the protagonist of Book 3, Chapter 9: “Part of the Parts” perceive his job?

7. How are the losses of the protagonist described in Book 3, Chapter 11: “All Hail and Hallelujah”?

8. How would you describe the narrative style of Book 2, Chapter 7: “This is the House That Horse Built”?

9. How is the setting of Washington Square Park described in Book 2, Chapter 8: “The Ringing Grooves of Change”?

10. How is the walker’s moment of silence described in Book 2, Chapter 8: “The Ringing Grooves of Change”?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the character of Jazzlyn in the novel. How does Jazzlyn die? How does her death impact the main characters in the novel? How does Jazzlyn’s death connect to the tightrope walker’s performance?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the plot structure of Let the Great World Spin. How traditionally is the narrative structured? In what ways is the novel’s structure unique in comparison with other works you’ve read? Did you feel satisfied that all of the “loose ends” were tied up in the ending? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss the character of Jaslyn in the novel. When and where is Jaslyn first introduced? What is her relationship to the other characters in the narrative? What are Jaslyn’s actions, objectives, obstacles, and conflicts in her story?

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