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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 Herbert's youngest son?

2. Where does the chauffeur drive Allan to meet his potential employer in Chapter 16?

3. How old is Ni Wayan Laksmi when she meets Allan and Herbert in Bali?

4. Whom does the man presumed to be Albert Einstein claim to be after he has been kidnapped by the Soviets?

5. In what year was Allan presumably sterilized?

Short Essay Questions

1. How are the major conflicts of the novel resolved in Chapter 22?

2. How is Allan's life echoed through the actions in the Epilogue?

3. How is the setting described in Chapter 28? How does the setting evolve?

4. How are Allan's years in Bali described in Chapter 20?

5. How have the mood and tone of the narrative changed in Chapter 19?

6. Would you consider the revelations in Chapter 22 to be realistic? Why or why not?

7. How would you describe Allan's behavior when he meets President Johnson in Chapter 23?

8. How do the themes of fate and chance apply to Allan and the main characters in the novel?

9. How is the confrontation between Chief Inspector Aronsson and Allan described in Chapter 21?

10. What is reflected through the reconsiliation of Benny and Bosse in the narrative?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the book, Allan meets a variety of world-famous historical figures. How does Allan typically react to each new leader he meets? What are some examples of meetings that have gone awry for Allan? What are some examples of beneficial relationships with these world leaders?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the themes of fate, chance, and destiny in The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared. How does the author develop these themes through character, setting, symbolism, and imagery? What is Allan's viewpoint regarding the happenstance nature of life?

Essay Topic 3

Describe Allan's encounter with Bolt at the train station in the beginning of the novel. What leads Allan to steal the suitcase? How does Bolt respond when he discovers the suitcase to be missing? How does he manage to find Allan?

(see the answer keys)

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