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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 word refers to the turning point marking a change, for the better or the worse?

2. Who is trying to have his case heard in Chapter 16?

3. What term refers to the set of goals of an ideological group?

4. In the courtroom, what is the jury trying to determine the paternity of?

5. What is the government on the Island comprised of?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where is the Sailor in the beginning of “Coke Bugs”?

2. What is symbolized by the courthouse and court system in “The County Clerk”?

3. What different political groups are described in “Islam Incorporated and the Parties of Interzone”?

4. How is “Fats” Terminal described in “The Algebra of Need”?

5. How does the author broach the theme of reality versus hallucination in “The Examination”?

6. Where is Queens Plaza located? How does this setting relate to the other settings in the novel?

7. Where does the Sailor take the boy in “The Exterminator Does a Good Job”? Why?

8. How is A.J. described in “Islam Incorporated and the Parties of Interzone”?

9. Mary is both an observer and a participant in “A.J.’s Annual Party,” whereas the male characters are only participants. What does this say about the author’s views of female sexuality?

10. What does the Party Leader discuss in “Ordinary Men and Women”?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss and analyze the symbolism and imagery in “The Black Meat.” What does the Black Meat represent? How are the Reptiles and Mugwumps described? What do they symbolize? How do these creatures compare to one another? How do they compare to “people” in the narrative?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the history of mind control and its uses. When was mind control first developed? What implications does the author give regarding the mind control of individuals within mainstream society?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the character of the Vigilante. What does William reveal about the Vigilante in Chapter 2? Why is he sent to a federal psychiatric hospital? What is the significance of the Vigilante’s weight changes, both while incarcerated and while using drugs?

(see the answer keys)

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