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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. After how many weeks at sea is Augie's ship shot down by a German torpedo?

2. How does Simon treat the staff at the poker club he attends?

3. Which of the following women is the first woman Augie claims to have known who does not play mind games?

4. What topic does the magazine "Wilmot's Weekly" discuss?

5. Which of the following activities is NOT one Thea teaches Augie to do while living together?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do Augie and Thea break up?

2. What work does Augie do for the eccentric millionaire, Robey?

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

4. Who is Sophie Geratis?

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

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

7. Who collects venomous snakes, and why?

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

9. How has Georgie's life changed in the time that Augie was living in Mexico City?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Grandma was a powerful force in the lives of the young March boys. First, describe Grandma's character and explain the way she related to the March family. Then, describe the level of power Grandma had over the March family and the decisions they made. Was Grandma generally a positive or negative influence in the March family lives. Finally, choose one major decision Grandma made for the March family and describe how she was given that power. What was the effect of Grandma's decision on the March family? Did she make a good or bad decision for the family? How can you tell? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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