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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 New York neighborhood does Augie train for the Merchant Marines?

2. What does the Yugoslavian, Paslavitch, do for a living?

3. How does Caligula fare in his first fight with a live iguana?

4. What city is Wiley Moulton from?

5. What type of animal is Bizcocho?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What makes Augie squeamish about training Caligula?

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

4. How does Augie react when he sees Thea for the first time since their resort stay in Michigan?

5. Why do Augie and Thea break up?

6. Why is Thea planning to move to Mexico?

7. How does Bateshaw prevent Augie from flagging down a passing ship after their Marine boat sinks?

8. How does Renee attempt to ensnare Simon in her life forever?

9. Why is Augie forced to leave Chicago after signing up with the CIO?

10. What bombshell does Frazer drop on Augie about his wife and marriage when Augie runs into him at a cafe in Paris?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Augie March started his life with a rough family upbringing. First, describe the dynamic of Augie's family when he was born. What family life was he born into? Then, describe how Augie overcame his rough upbringing. What was expected of Augie's future when he was a boy? How did Augie overcome what was predicted or expected of him to create his own future? 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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This section contains 1,155 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample