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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 had once lived in the structure in #61?

2. What is Bruce Mason's profession?

3. Why did Bruce panic regarding the girl in #11?

4. What did Bruce think of Jack Bailey's fashion sense?

5. How did Bruce get upstairs to the young woman's hotel room?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who are Holly and Nola and what prompts Bruce to think of them?

2. What is the symbolism of the cabbage that Bruce steals?

3. How does the episode of Bruce touching the girl's breast show what a simple time he lived in?

4. Describe the humorous scenario of Bruce trying to outwit the elevator man in Nola's hotel.

5. What is the premise of RECAPITULATION?

6. What does Bruce find amusing about the building the funeral home is housed in?

7. Why is Bruce disappointed in his mother?

8. How does Bruce distinguish between Young Bruce and Mature Bruce?

9. How does the elevator episode show Bruce's feelings for Nola?

10. What does Bruce think about as he eats dinner in the hotel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses some important instances of foreshadowing in the story. Explain what foreshadowing is and cite at least two examples making sure to explain what makes each an example of foreshadowing.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the concept of loneliness as it exhibits in the story. Which of the characters are lonely? Are they all lonely in some way? Explain the loneliness and the methods and attempts to overcome it.

Essay Topic 3

How does Stegner use the literary technique of local color in RECAPITULATION? What elements comprise local color? Give some examples of the local color in Salt Lake City establishments, in the characters, and i the events.

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