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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. Which of the following cities is Augie NOT disgusted with while traveling with Dingbat?

2. What does Augie steal from the department store at Christmas time, leading to his prompt firing from the position?

3. What type of store does Mr. Renling own?

4. What role is Augie hired to play in the department store Christmas scene?

5. Why didn't Mr. Renling want to hire Augie when he first applied for the job?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Augie meet regularly with his caseworker, Lubin?

2. Where does Augie meet Esther Fenchel, and what is his reaction to her?

3. Who is William Einhorn?

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

5. Who is Charlotte Magnus?

6. Who is Augie meant to marry when he is a teenager, and what is his reaction to this agreement?

7. Who is "The Commissioner" and how does he die?

8. Why does Simon sell his family house without telling anyone?

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

10. What type of relationship does Augie have with his mother at the opening of the novel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

After Simon marries Charlotte, he has excess money to throw around. First, describe the way that Simon uses his money to manipulate his mother's life. Then, compare this to the way Simon uses his money to manipulate Georgie's life. Whose needs does Simon put first with his money, his family's needs or his own? How can you tell? Finally, describe the decline of Simon's marriage to Charlotte. How do Simon's spending habits affect his relationship with his wife? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

When Augie was a teenager, he was given the job of working as a butler for William Einhorn. First, describe William Einhorn and his disabilities. Then, describe the tasks that Augie was expected to complete while working for Einhorn. Did Augie do well or struggle in this position? How can you tell? Finally, describe how the professional relationship between Augie and Einhorn dissolved. How did their professional meltdown affect their personal relationship? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Augie's relationship with his brother Georgie was difficult one due to Georgie's mental disabilities. First, describe Georgie's character. Why was he put away in a mental institution when he hit puberty? How did life in the mental institution affect Georgie's character? Then, describe Augie's relationship with his brother Georgie throughout his life. What was their relationship like as young boys? How did that relationship change when both boys reached maturity? How did his relationship with Georgie affect Augie's life decisions? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

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