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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 does the zoo director in The Elephant decide to get as a cheaper alternative to a live elephant?

2. In what school grade is the narrator of An Insolvable Problem of Genetics?

3. Who is the author of An Insolvable Problem of Genetics?

4. How old is the student in The Boy?

5. What kind of meat does the old woman order in Weather in San Francisco?

Short Essay Questions

1. What event has taken place in the beginning of Death of the Right Fielder? What actions do the characters take?

2. Discuss and describe the imagery in the story Blackberries. How does this imagery support the narrative's themes?

3. Describe the structure of Welcoming the Board of Directors. How does the author use metaphor in the narrative?

4. How does the gypsy try getting rid of the stolen item in On Hope? How is he thwarted in his attempts?

5. How does the dentist get revenge in One of These Days? For what does he enact vengeance?

6. What unifies the stories At the River, The Blue Jar, Gregory and Iguana Hunting?

7. Who is the central character in On Hope? What does his monkey bring to him?

8. What is the taboo subject central in the story The Boy? How does the narrative play out?

9. Who is the central character in The Grass-Eaters? What is his objective?

10. What is the central plot in The Elephant? Why does the protagonist choose to build an inflatable elephant?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the themes, symbolism, and imagery implemented by the author in The Grasshopper and the Bell Cricket. How does the tone of this story differ or relate to those around it in the anthology?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss the settings, characters, and themes presented in The Weather in San Francisco and Blue. What is Brautigan's most famous work and how does The Weather in San Francisco relate to it?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the theme of feminism in Disappearing, A Lover's Ear and By the Creek. What feminist traits do each of the protagonists reflect?

(see the answer keys)

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