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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. What is the university campus full of?

2. What time does William Lee meet Miguel in Chapter 8?

3. Where is the Vigilante sent for his crimes?

4. Where do two types of organisms meet and engage in drug deals in Chapter 6?

5. Which of the following refers to a sensory experience of something that does not exist outside the mind?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is symbolized by the Professor’s lecture in “Campus of Interzone University”?

2. How does William deal with the deaths of his friends in “The Rube”? Why is this significant?

3. How is the plot structure of “And Start West” different from the plot structures of the other vignettes in the novel?

4. How does the narrative style and plot structure change in “Hassan’s Rumpus Room”?

5. Where is William traveling in the beginning of “The Rube”? How does the Rube die?

6. How are the setting and characters described in the beginning of “Hassan’s Rumpus Room”?

7. What is the significance of Vigilante’s character in the novel? How does the Vigilante change?

8. What are the two nonhuman creatures described by the author in “The Black Meat”?

9. Why is Willy at Hassan’s Hospital in “Hospital”? How is his situation described?

10. What happens when William Lee meets Miguel in “Lazarus Go Home”?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and discuss the reality of the drug addict in the narrative. What physical changes does the author describe? How do the characters change socially as they use and stop using drugs?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the character of Joselito and the history of tuberculosis and its treatment. What are the principle two options for Joselito’s medical treatment in the narrative? What are the pros and cons of each form of treatment?

Essay Topic 3

William’s character is based upon the real life and experiences of author William S. Burroughs. How does the book mirror William S. Burroughs' real life experiences, including running from the law, traveling to exotic locations, and becoming involved in underground drug and homosexual cultures?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 800 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample