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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. From whose viewpoint is Little Spinoza's castration described in the opening of Chapter 15?

2. By what nickname does Medicine Ed refer to Tommy in the novel?

3. Maggie tells Little Spinoza in Chapter 15 that sex is a form of what?

4. Where does Lillian's son live?

5. How does Little Spinoza exit the gate in his first race in Chapter 18?

Short Essay Questions

1. What inner conflicts does Maggie face in Chapter 15?

2. How are Boll Weevil and the Mahdi compared to one another as they prepare for the first race?

3. What does Deucey relate to Maggie regarding luck in Chapter 2?

4. How is the theme of luck explored in Chapter 1 of the novel?

5. Why do Tommy's finances concern Medicine Ed?

6. What causes Medicine Ed's luck to change following the first race?

7. What is contained in Medicine Ed's red velvet bag? What is the purpose of this concoction?

8. How would you compare the language styles associated with Medicine Ed and Maggie in the novel?

9. What does the blue Cadillac come to represent in the narrative?

10. What is a hot walking machine? What does this apparatus symbolize in the novel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the character of Medicine Ed. For how long has Medicine Ed been involved with horses and horse racing? What are Medicine Ed's main objectives in the story? Does he achieve those objectives?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the author's use of symbolism in the novel. What are some examples of major symbols that recur in the story? What do each of these symbols represent? What colors are prominent in Lord of Misrule?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the themes of luck and superstition in Lord of Misrule. What are some examples of superstitions believed by the main characters? How does the author develop the theme of luck through setting, symbolism, and imagery?

(see the answer keys)

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