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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 characters pressures Augie to get married, stating that the only way to battle the finite is with infinite love?

2. Which of the following topics of discussion is NOT brought up by Mintouchian at the Turkish bath?

3. How long did Clem urge Augie to wait before proposing to Stella?

4. How many sailors survive the sinking of the ship at sea?

5. Who tells Augie that Stella is a pathological liar?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Augie offers to drive his disfigured maid home to her family in Normandy at the end of the novel?

2. What does Augie write in the letters he sends to Stella from aboard the MacManus?

3. Who is Talavera?

4. Why is Oliver evicted from the hotel where he is staying in Mexico City?

5. How does Augie respond to the news that Thea's divorce is final?

6. How does Augie react when he sees Caligula for the first time?

7. What does Mr. Gammick teach Augie about work life?

8. How has Simon's appearance changed during the time that Augie was living in Mexico City?

9. What job does Augie almost take working for Leon Trotsky?

10. Who is Sophie Geratis?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the situation in which Mimi Villa got pregnant. Why did she decide to terminate her pregnancy? Then, describe the process Mimi had to go through to end her pregnancy. Was the procedure safe? Why or why not? Finally, compare the reaction from the women in Mimi's life to her abortion with the reaction from the men. What sociological statement do you think Bellows is making about abortion through these interactions? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

This novel covers a great span of historical time, including the labor movements of the 1930's. First, describe the complaint laborers had in the 1930's. How was their situation fueled by the stock market crash of the 1920's? Describe at least three of the political parties that were formed as a result of the labor movement. What was each of their stances on the rights of workers in the 1930's? Discuss Augie's involvement with the labor movement. How did Augie's involvement affect his life personally during the 1930's? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

While Augie is aboard the MacManus working for the Merchant Marines, he is one of two men who manage to live through the ship's sinking. Describe the way that Augie managed to save his life when all the other soldiers went down with the ship. Then, describe the way that Augie paid homage to the lives of the sailors lost at sea. To whom did he tell the sailor's stories? Finally, describe how Augie finally made it back to land after drifting in the water for days. What was Augie's emotional reaction to his homecoming? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

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