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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 year is it when the historic double date that is described in Chapter 28 takes place?

2. Which description best describes the stories that Harvey reads on the air?

3. What does Queen Anne do when she learns of Cornbury's costly hobby?

4. How many feet longer is the actual Titanic than the fictional ship in "Futility"?

5. When does Robertson's ship sink in "Futility"?

Short Essay Questions

1. Which two events does Harvey discuss in "The Night Sin City Died"?

2. What accidental invention is detailed in "Fall Where They May"?

3. What is the irony in Chapter 7?

4. What unusual method for composing operas does Wagner use in "Wagner's Collaborator"?

5. Which similarities of the two ships are the most astonishing in "Futility"?

6. What is the foreshadowing used in "Snow Man"?

7. What lesson is outlined in "Strong Man's Weakness"?

8. What is the surprise ending of Rachmaninoff's story in Chapter 16?

9. How does Harvey describe the life of W.C. Fields?

10. What is the story behind the "Pen Pals" in Chapter 14?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the ironic and unexpected results of good intentions in Chapter 34 and 35, including Dr. Joseph's confusing efforts to invent a less painful way of execution and Artful Eddie's influence in his son's eventual recognition.

Essay Topic 2

Harvey points out the reasons behind some of the most interesting topics in his stories. Think of three examples of stories that explain a previously unknown reason for something. Analyze the methods that Harvey uses to accomplish this in the different settings.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the combination of loyalty and irony as they are blended together by Harvey in Chapters 64 and 65. Include an explanation of Bob's unusual loyalty towards his friend in Chapter 64 and the ironic ending of the story. In addition, provide a description of William's loyalties in Chapter 65, his conflicting positions, and the irony of his father's identity.

(see the answer keys)

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