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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. What University does William's only son, Arthur, attend?

2. What is the name of the beautiful heiress that Augie instantly falls in love with at the resort?

3. Which of the following books is Grandma's favorite?

4. Which of Augie's character traits does Simon play up when Augie meets the Magnuses for the first time?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. Who is "Grandma"?

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

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

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

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

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

The tension between Poles and Jews in Chicago in the early 1920's is blatantly apparent in Augie's description of his childhood in a Polish neighborhood. First, describe what life was like for the March family living as the only Jewish family in a Polish neighborhood. How was the family treated in the neighborhood? How were the boys treated at school? Then,describe the relationship Augie had with the Kriendl family. How did race relations fuel the bond in this unlikely family? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Augie's relationship with Simon is one that took many turns during their adult lives together. First, describe the relationship Augie had with his brother Simon when they were young. Then, describe how that relationship changed as both reached adulthood. Choose two moments that you believe were turning points in the relationship between Simon and Augie and describe them here. How did these moments lead to the state of the relationship between Augie and Simon when the novel came to a close?

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