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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. Where was the Rosetta Stone discovered in the 18th Century?

2. Why does the matchmaker, Kriendle, believe that Simon should not marry?

3. What is the name of William's wife?

4. Why doesn't Augie want to marry Friedle Coblin?

5. Where is Augie's father at the opening of the novel?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do Augie and William visit a whore house together?

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

3. How does Augie feel about attending school?

4. What job does Augie help Dingbat with which involves travel to Michigan?

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

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

7. How does Augie betray William after the stock market crash?

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

9. How is Augie received when he meets the Magnus family for the first time?

10. Who is Charlotte Magnus?

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

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.

Essay Topic 3

Because of the desperate financial situation Augie finds himself in, he enters a life of crime with fellow thug, Joe Gormon. First, describe Joe Gormon's character. How did he and Augie meet? Why was Augie seduced by Joe's life of crime? Then, choose one major crime Augie committed while working with Gormon. Who was the victim of this crime? What was the short-term payoff for Augie? In your opinion, was the short-term payoff for this crime worth the long-term effects on Augie's life? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

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