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

Short Answer Questions

1. When Wilhelm and Tamkin go to the market, what state is Wilhelm in?

2. In Wilhelm's mind, what is the big question regarding Tamkin?

3. Who says, "You really are a killer-diller."?

4. According to Tamkin, which two important words begin with M?

5. What's the name of the movie that Wilhelm appeared in as an extra?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When we meet Wilhelm, he considers himself a complete failure. The motif of failure reappears throughout the book.

Part 1) Why is failure significant in this story? What is Wilhelm's relationship with failure?

Part 2) Sometimes failure is defined by its inverse - success. How does Dr. Adler's success help illuminate not only Wilhelm's failure, but some of his own shortcomings?

Part 3) What does Wilhelm learn from his failure, if anything? Do you think he will apply these lessons to his life beyond the book? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the book, alienation is presented as a theme. Wilhelm is the most striking example of this alienation.

Part 1) How is Wilhelm alienated in this story? To what extent is it his own doing and to what extent is it thrust upon him by the other characters? Why do you think this? Cite specific examples from the text.

Part 2) Many characters in this book are also alienated in their own way. Discuss the characters of Dr. Adler and Tamkin and analyze how they are alienated. Use specific examples from the text.

Part 3) Alienation has a powerful effect on the motivations of our characters. How does alienation affect Wilhelm in the story? Do you think the story would be different if he were not alienated? How would it change?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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