View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which of the following is the ultimatum issued to Sabbath?

2. Who arrives and hits the person at Drenka's grave while Sabbath watches?

3. What finally makes Sabbath decide to leave Roseanna?

4. Why do the embalmers get impatient with Nikki after her mother's death?

5. Why does Sabbath think that Drenka is not attracted to her husband?

Short Essay Questions

1. On what occasion did Sabbath first see Matija in public?

2. How is Drenka described in Part 1?

3. What profession does Sabbath think that he should have chosen in Part 3?

4. How does Sabbath feel when Matija tells him about the sympathy cards that he received for Drenka's death?

5. How did Sabbath meet Christa?

6. Why did Sabbath quit directing?

7. What was the "Romance Run"?

8. How is Sabbath described in Part 1?

9. What role did Roseanna play in Sabbath's puppet theater?

10. What happened at Sabbath's trial?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

It is obvious that Sabbath has a deep-seated hatred and lack of respect for women. How are his feelings displayed throughout the novel? Which interactions best reflect his feelings about women in general? Are there any exceptions to the rule, or women whom he respects, despite of their sex? Why or why not? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 2

At one point, Sabbath mentions that all of the women in his life hated their fathers. Why do you think that is so? Why did a lack of paternal affection change them in a way that attracted them to Sabbath? What qualities did those women have that made them a target for Sabbath? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

In the novel, most of what Sabbath says is framed as biting sarcasm. But how much truth underlies his type of "humor"? What is the author trying to accomplish by framing Sabbath's attitudes and comments in a sarcastic fashion? Is it to merely entertain the reader? Or is there other significance to that method? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 997 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample