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. How does Sabbath proposition Michelle to have an affair with him?

2. According to what he tells Michelle, why does Sabbath think that Norman has remained friends with him?

3. Why does Sabbath not want to be buried next to Drenka?

4. How does Sabbath feel about his family plot being filled?

5. Sabbath is convinced that the young woman he meets on the subway is whose daughter?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happened at Sabbath's trial for public indecency?

2. Why are a few pages of Part 6 written without punctuation?

3. Why does Norman invite Sabbath to stay with him?

4. On the first night of his stay with the Cowans, why is Sabbath in such a good mood at dinner?

5. In Part 8, why does Sabbath go to the cemetery?

6. Why does Norman throw Sabbath out of his home?

7. In Part 6, why does Sabbath liken himself to Rip Van Winkle?

8. How does Sabbath convince Michelle to have an affair with him?

9. What does Sabbath notice in Fish's house?

10. What did Roseanna do when she found out about the scandal that caused Sabbath to lose his job?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Sabbath thinks that Norman remained his friend only because wealthy, well-bred people like Norman need friends like Sabbath, to vicariously enjoy the steamy side of life. Why does Sabbath feel this way? Why is he unable to accept the idea that Norman simply liked him? What excuse does Sabbath make for why Norman and Linc wanted to produce his show? Do you think it is accurate? Why or why not? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 2

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 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 975 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample