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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. What is the name of Hank's wife?

2. What does Hank say is something to look forward to in the morning?

3. What does Lee think he can exploit to hurt Hank?

4. Lee get drunk on __________.

5. What is the name of the rich family in this chapter?

Short Essay Questions

1. Whose perspectives does the narrative move between as Viv, Lee and Henry wait at the shack?

2. Describe the prologue that begins Chapter 2.

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

4. What characters does the opening of chapter 5 examine?

5. Summarize the prologue that opens Chapter 6, Part .

6. What does Lee think about on his way home?

7. In what way are the Stampers restless?

8. Describe the prologue that opens Chapter 3.

9. What does Jonas' note to Hank say?

10. How do Hank and Viv meet?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Pick a character from the novel and discuss his goals and motives. Does he achieve his motive? Why? Does he share similar goals and motives with other characters? Do his goals clash with other characters? How do the characters' goals and motives affect their interaction with each other?

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

Identify the main themes of the story. Why do you think these themes are so important to the story? How does Kesey use character and setting to express these themes?

(see the answer keys)

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