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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. In what year did the stock market crash?

2. What is the name of the old folks' home that Simon arranges for Grandma?

3. To which city did Simon wire money that he borrowed from William?

4. What is the term "skyscraper leaps" another name for?

5. What is the name of Augie's childhood best friend?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does William react when the stock market crashes in 1929?

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

3. Why is Augie sent to live with his cousins, the Coblins?

4. Who is "Grandma"?

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

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

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

8. What was Georges-Jacques Danton?

9. What religion does Augie's family practice?

10. How do Simon and Augie compete when enrolled in college?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Augie's relationship with Mimi Villa is one that stays with him for the majority of his adult life. First, describe Mimi Villa. Where did she and Augie meet? Then, describe the incident that you believe led to the deep bond that formed between these two teenagers. How did they act as friends for each other in a way no one else would have been capable of? Then, describe the reaction from Augie's family and friends to his platonic relationship with Mimi. What troubles did he get into having such a close female friend? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Because his family was poor, Augie took odd jobs to help support his family. Choose two of the odd jobs Augie took to help support his family while he was a teenager and describe his tasks. Which jobs did Augie tend to excel in? Why did Augie jump from job to job so often? Finally, describe one major life lesson that Augie learned while working odd jobs for his family. How did working this job affect Augie's decisions later in life? How can you tell? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

The most constant force in Augie's life, from childhood to adulthood, was his relationship with the eccentric tycoon, William. Describe how Augie and William first met. Then, describe how that relationship changed as Augie reached adulthood. Choose two moments that you believe were turning points in the relationship between William and Augie and describe them. How did these moments lead to the state of the relationship between Augie and William when the novel came to a close?

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