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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. Why does Wilhelm trust Tamkin?

2. Where did Wilhelm work as a sales executive?

3. Why did Wilhelm change his name when he got to Hollywood?

4. Why is Dr. Adler admired by everyone?

5. What career did Wilhelm's mother encourage him to try?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Wilhelm's relationship with Margaret complicated at this point in the story?

2. According to Wilhelm in Chapter 6, why won't Margaret marry again?

3. What is the significance of the power of attorney document that Wilhelm signs for Tamkin?

4. Describe Wilhelm's appearance.

5. In Chapter 6, Tamkin also shares the story of his wife. What became of her?

6. Dr. Adler says to Wilhelm, "It doesn't enter your mind that when I die--a year, two years from now--you'll still be here." What does he mean to say and what impression does he give Wilhelm instead?

7. Describe Wilhelm's first impressions of Maurice Venice, the talent scout who invites Wilhelm to Los Angeles.

8. How does Wilhelm find himself at a stranger's funeral in Chapter 7?

9. Is Dr. Adler respected by the others at the Hotel? How do you know?

10. Why does Wilhelm agree to sign a power of attorney document for Tamkin?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In this story, many of the characters, particularly Wilhelm, struggle to define themselves. Wilhelm has been called by many different names in his life - Wilky, Wilhelm, Tommy Wilhelm, and Vevel.

Part 1) Identify each name and what it means to Wilhelm.

Part 2) Which one does Wilhelm most identify with and why?

Essay Topic 2

In the first chapter, Wilhelm recalls a line of poetry from a college textbook: "Sunk though he be beneath the wat'ry floor..."

Part 1) What do you think this means in the context of the original poem? How does it relate specifically to Wilhelm?

Part 2) This concept of water and sinking reappears throughout the rest of the book. Cite at least 3 examples where this metaphor is used.

Part 3) Why does Wilhelm constantly go back to this line? Why is he so drawn to it?

Essay Topic 3

Family plays a significant role throughout the book, particularly the strained relationship between Wilhelm and his father, Dr. Adler. Choose one of the following options to write about:

1) Why is the relationship between Wilhelm and his father strained? What events help define for us the nature of their relationship? Does their relationship change by the end of the book? Why or why not?

2) Minor characters in Wilhelm's family also play a significant role. How do the characters of Catherine, Margaret, and Wilhelm's sons help to define Wilhelm as a character? What do they help us to understand about the story?

3) Compare and contrast Dr. Adler and Wilhelm. How are they the same? How are they different?

(see the answer keys)

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