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

2. Which of the following references is NOT made by Augie in the opening section of the novel?

3. At what age is Augie expected to get married?

4. What type of dog is Winnie?

5. Who is the father of Mimi Villar's baby?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is "Grandma"?

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

3. Why does Augie leave the services of Mr. and Mrs. Renling?

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

5. What other famous disabled persons does Augie contemplate as he is caring for William Einhorn?

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

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

8. Who was King Croesus?

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

10. How does William accommodate his wife's decorating whims in their living room?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout his life, Augie considered Jimmy to be one of his best friends. First, describe the relationship between Jimmy and Augie when they were both young boys. Why do you think these two boys bonded so quickly? What type of trouble did the pair get into together? What punishments did each of the boys' receive? Then, describe how Jimmy came back into Augie's life when they were adults. How did Jimmy save Augie from a potentially sticky criminal situation? How did Augie pay Jimmy back for his friendship? How do you think Augie and Jimmy embody the ideal of "best friends forever"? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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