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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. Who does Jennifer inform of her afternoon plans?

2. Where does the group go to ponder their options?

3. What does Travis admit he wanted to be when he grew up?

4. What does Gian do to Effrom?

5. Who breaks into Effrom's house?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How do Augustus and Gian catch Travis at the end of Chapter 24?

3. 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.

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

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

6. Explain why Augustus lets Travis go.

7. Why does Robert think he is being arrested, and what, in fact, are the actual charges?

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

9. Where do Rachel, Augustus, and Gian go at the end of the novel, and what do they do?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The sexual interactions of the characters within the novel seem to dictate many of their actions, which is common among human beings. While some, like Rachel and Bella, use sex for power, some, like Travis and Jennifer, appear to use sex as a means of ending loneliness and to feel closer to another human being. Effrom uses sexual concepts as an escape from reality, and also as a way to preserve memories of his wife. Choose one of these themes, and explain how the characters use sex to attain these goals in the novel.

Essay Topic 2

There are several references to pop culture in the novel. The author creates humor by contrasting horrific or difficult situations with an everyday, commonplace interaction. Choose one reference which shows such characteristics and analyze it. What is the reference? Which characters are involved? How does the author's use of such a reference lighten the situation? Do you believe the result is successful?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the story, there is a constant theme that a secret, supernatural world underlies the mundane, everyday world these characters exist in each day. Several events in the novel point to this supernatural world, and some of these events are small in terms of the plot of the novel, but larger when viewed from an overall standpoint. Choose one of these types of events, explain it in detail, and then analyze how such an event indicates such an underlying world.

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