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

Short Answer Questions

1. The narrator tells us in Chapter 7: "He heard it and sank deeper than sorrow, through torn sobs and cries toward the consummation of his heart's ultimate need." Who is this statement about?

2. Why is it too late for Wilhelm to make any decisions about Tamkin's character?

3. What is the result of Wilhelm's talk with Dr. Adler?

4. Which character remains "unbending, remorselessly unbending" at the end of Chapter 7?

5. What is the second thing Wilhelm does in the beginning of Chapter 7?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The relationship between Tamkin and Wilhelm in particular illustrates how powerfully trust can influence people. Select one topic to write about.

1. One way we learn that Wilhelm is distrustful of Tamkin is through his detailed description of Tamkin's physical appearance. What is significant about this description? What does it reveal about Wilhelm's attitudes toward Tamkin?

2. Tamkin is always telling fantastical stories and announces that "facts are always sensational." What does he mean by this? Does this comment help Wilhelm to trust Tamkin or no? Why or why not?

3. Sometimes we are predisposed to either trust or not trust someone. What specific factors in Wilhelm's life set up his acceptance of Tamkin? Which factors in his life also lead him to question Tamkin's intentions?

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the story, the narrator employs metaphor as a literary device to help us better understand the text.

Part 1) Cite a metaphor in the text and how it is used to further that scene, or a character's development.

Part 2) Why does that metaphor help us readers?

Essay Topic 3

The title of the book, Seize the Day, is used twice in the text, by two different characters.

Part 1) What does "seize the day" mean?

Part 2) Who uses the phrase? Is it used differently the first time it's used and the second? Why or why not?

Part 3) Why do you think Saul Bellow chose this title for his book?

(see the answer keys)

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