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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 does Augustus do to Travis at the beginning of chapter 27?

2. What do others call Sergeant Irving Nailsworth behind his back?

3. What does Catch cough up at the beginning of Chapter 19?

4. Who does Amanda call for help?

5. Who calls Jennifer at work?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Rachel convince Jennifer to come to the caves, and what does Jennifer do following this event?

2. In Chapter 20, Effrom is visited by Catch, and several times, thinks he has has killed his wife. Why?

3. Explain the plan Howard, Robert, Travis, Augustus, and Gian plan in the Head of the Slug in Chapter 32.

4. What does Rivera not report the bullet hole he finds in the Elliott's home?

5. How does Gian explain lying about what will happen to Catch, and how does Augustus respond?

6. What does Augustus bring into his house, with the help of Gian? What does he explain they are?

7. What connection does the Nailgun find between the names and dates in Travis' suitcase?

8. Explain what Robert sees when he looks through Jennifer's window. Where has he seen Travis previously?

9. Explain, in detail, why Amanda doesn't tell Effrom she is aware of his smoking and of his watching of women's exercise programs, and what she does to extend his pleasure.

10. Explain what happens to Effrom in Chapter 35.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Augustus Brine is "chosen" to help save the world from the demon, Catch. He could have chosen not to participate, and instead accepted the situation as futile, thereby allowing the world to perish. Explain, using details from the book, those characteristics of Augustus Brine that made him suitable for the job, and unable to not accept the responsibility.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the novel, the lives of the characters prove to be connected in ways they do not understand. Amanda and Travis are connected through their night on the train, Nailsworth is involved with Roxanne, who is Billy, who has been eaten by Catch, and so forth. Rivera is asked to check on Roxanne, and is connected with Robert and The Breeze through an impending drug bust. This interconnectedness appears to suggest an order for the universe, which is in direct contrast to Augustus' belief in chaos.

Using examples from the book, explain which view of the universe you believe the novel represents. Are the situations in the novel chaotic in nature, or based on an orderly undercurrent? Why do you believe this is the case? What does this say about the author's view of the universe? Does this coincide with the religious undertones of the novel? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Abuse also plays a powerful role in the novel. Rachel is physically abused by her first husband, and mentally abuses other people herself for her own gain. Robert, while in a milder form, appears to abuse himself throughout the novel as an alcoholic. Catch abuses Travis, and Travis equally abuses Catch. Choose one of these characters, and give, in detail, how abuse has affected his or her life. Do their actions seem to stem from a history of abuse? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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