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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. Who is the only woman in town about whom the people do not make sexual comments?

2. Of what kind of person does the prologue speak?

3. Where does Hank get the money to buy a motorcycle?

4. Who makes curses on the Stampers?

5. Which character does Joe-Ben not like?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Viv reflect upon on her walk to the shack?

2. In what way are the Stampers restless?

3. Describe the scene at the shack between Henry, Lee and Viv.

4. What happens when a postman tries to deliver a postcard?

5. Describe the prologue that opens Chapter 3.

6. With what story about Hank does the chapter open?

7. What does Lee find out about Viv in this chapter?

8. Describe the prologue that opens Chapter 5.

9. In what way does Hank cover his feelings when the bobcats die?

10. What does Lee describe in his narration in Chapter 6, Part 1?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1)With the students, discuss what metaphors are. How do writers use them? Can the writers overuse them? Give examples of good and bad metaphors.

2) What other metaphors are there in the book? Do the metaphors center on anything specific?

Essay Topic 2

Look at the structure of the novel.

1) How does Kesey use character and dialogue to drive the narrative?

2) Discuss elements of the narrative structure: exposition, conflict, complication, climax, resolution and conclusion. Do all the elements make for a logical and linear story? How does the story's structure express the novel's themes?

3) Away from the main characters, Hank and Lee, examine the way Kesey uses the other characters in the story. When does he introduce and take them away from the story? What effect does it have on the story? What effect do they have on the main characters?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Kesey's life. In what way do you think his life and personality are reflected in the book?

(see the answer keys)

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