View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How many rooms is William's estate drained to after the stock market crash?

2. To which Biblical character does Augie often compare himself when discussing his relationship with the Renlings?

3. Who pays for Augie to get new clothes before he meets the wealthy Magnus family?

4. How does Grandma feel about Augie working for William Einhorn?

5. Who made love to Momma's maid, leading to her prompt firing?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Augie fired from his job at Deever's Department Store?

2. How does the March family feel about Grandma's demand to institutionalize Georgie?

3. Who is William Einhorn?

4. Why does the Magnus family demand for the breakup of Augie and Lucy?

5. Why does Simon lose out on his engagement to Cissy Flexner?

6. Who is "Grandma"?

7. How does Simon first show his cruelty when Augie works for him?

8. What type of obituary does William write after his father's death?

9. What is Augie's relationship to his younger brother, Georgie?

10. What lecture does William give to Augie after the break in at his pool hall?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Renee is a small, secondary character who makes a large splash in the lives of the March boys. Describe Renee's character. How was she initiated into the lives of the March boys. Then, describe the drama raised when Renee became pregnant. Who was the father of her baby? Why is this information significant to the text of the novel? Describe at least two different ways that Renee dramatically attempted to earn the attention of the March boys. Was she successful in her quest? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

After years of living as a bachelor, Augie finally settles down and marries Stella, the woman he met in Mexico. First, describe how Augie and Stella found each other years after they first met in Mexico. Then, describe the reaction from Augie's family and friends when they heard that Augie would soon be getting married. Were they supportive of his decision? Why or why not? Finally, explain weather or not marriage to Stella was what Augie had hoped for when settling down. Is he satisfied in his marriage? How can you tell? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Both Augie and Simon become romantically involved with wealthy families at various times in their lives. Describe the ideal of a "kept man" as described in the novel. Which March boy do you think is more of a kept man, Simon or Augie? How can you tell? Then, describe Augie's reaction to Simon's relationship with his wealthy wife. What does Augie admire about the relationship? What does he condemn? Explain whether or not you think Augie becomes hypocritical of Simon when he becomes involved with his own wealthy wife. What is the same about these two relationships? What is different? Is there anything unexpected or surprising in this comparison? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,075 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample