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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 do Stoner and Katherine begin at the end of Chapter XII?

2. Who arrives late for Stoner's seminar in Chapter IX?

3. How does Stoner feel his presence is to Katherine that makes him stop seeing her in Chapter XII?

4. What is Stoner certain of regarding Katherine when he realizes he has feelings for her?

5. What subject does Stoner begin teaching radically and causing complaints from students?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Charles Walker arrive to his first class with William?

2. How does William's teaching schedule change after Lomax is appointed chair of the English department?

3. How does Lomax aid Charles Walker during his oral examinations?

4. How is William's first meeting with Charles Walker described?

5. How does Charles Walker react when William threatens to fail him from his seminar?

6. How do William and Katherine begin their love affair with one another?

7. How does William begin questioning the value of his life in Chapter XI?

8. How does William react when Finch suggests he pass Walker because he could lose his job?

9. How does Lomax react after William refuses to pass Charles Walker?

10. How does William's relationship with Edith change after he begins having an affair with Katherine?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine the concept of the University that is portrayed in the book through William and his school friends. What are the different views of the University presented by William, David Masters, and Archer Sloane in the book and whose idea do you most agree with?

Essay Topic 2

The theme of death is one that is portrayed through many characters in the book including David Masters, Archer Sloane, and eventually William Stoner. Considering the evolution of death through these three characters, what might the author be saying about the nature of death and its impact on others?

Essay Topic 3

The theme of family is one presented several times throughout the book. Part 1.) What kind of relationship did William have with his parents and what impact did this relationship have on his actions later in life? Part 2.) How is Edith's view of family flawed due to her experiences with her family growing up? Part 3.) Considering William and Edith's family lives, how does their creation of their own family appear somewhat ironic and why is this significant?

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