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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. According to the ad, what is the salary for the job for which Fainy interviews?

2. Where does Mac find work finally in Los Angeles?

3. After going to the theater one night, whom does Mac meet?

4. What is the 42nd parallel about?

5. When Mac is waiting to hop a freight train, whom does he meet?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where does Mac live with Maisie and what is their relationship?

2. Describe Janey.

3. What could Maisie have done to keep Mac in Los Angeles with her?

4. What happens at the theater? What does Mac do?

5. What is the only question that Fainy asks about his job?

6. What happens on the train ride to Chicago that Mac takes?

7. What decision does Mac make regarding Maisie and her pregnancy?

8. Describe Mac's life as a child.

9. Why does Johnny have to leave college?

10. What happens when Fainy and Bingham ride the train to Michigan?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The 42nd Parallel was known as the major storm path across North America. The 42nd parallel north is a circle of latitude that is 42 degrees north of the Earth's equatorial plane. It crosses Europe, the Mediterranean Sea, Asia, the Pacific Ocean, North America, and the Atlantic Ocean. The 42nd Parallel of latitude runs right through the heart of the United States. What do you think of John dos Passos' choice of title for the book? Is it appropriate? Explain. How does this title relate to the five characters of Fainy McCreary (Mac), Janey, J. Ward Moorehouse, Eleanor Stoddard, and Charley Anderson?

Essay Topic 2

Create a brief character study of Mac. What does he look like? What are his positive personality traits? What are some of his negative characteristics? What are his hopes and fears? What motivates him at this point in his life?

Essay Topic 3

The intimate relationships of men and women in the 42nd Parallel are complicated. Sex and love are associated often with power. Fidelity is questionable, and marriage is often a choice to accommodate pregnancy. What do you think of the relationships between men and women in the 42nd Parallel? Are they promising? Are they depressing? Are they realistic? Share your thoughts.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 918 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample