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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 women is the first woman Augie claims to have known who does not play mind games?

2. What type of animal does Thea hope to study in the Yucatan?

3. To whom does Bizcocho belong?

4. What is the name of Augie's houseboy in Acalta?

5. What is the name of Thea's older husband?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who does the CIO represent, and what is their aim?

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

3. How does William feel about Augie's relationship with Mimi Villars?

4. How does Augie react when he is reunited with Stella, the model?

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

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

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

8. Who collects venomous snakes, and why?

9. What connection does Augie realize he has with the Soviet exile, Leon Trotsky?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Augie's relationship with his brother Georgie was difficult one due to Georgie's mental disabilities. First, describe Georgie's character. Why was he put away in a mental institution when he hit puberty? How did life in the mental institution affect Georgie's character? Then, describe Augie's relationship with his brother Georgie throughout his life. What was their relationship like as young boys? How did that relationship change when both boys reached maturity? How did his relationship with Georgie affect Augie's life decisions? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

When Augie was a teenager, he was given the job of working as a butler for William Einhorn. First, describe William Einhorn and his disabilities. Then, describe the tasks that Augie was expected to complete while working for Einhorn. Did Augie do well or struggle in this position? How can you tell? Finally, describe how the professional relationship between Augie and Einhorn dissolved. How did their professional meltdown affect their personal relationship? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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