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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 is notable about the woman in #139?

2. The narrator's sister's homosexuality suggests __________________________.

3. What habit does the narrator have that makes Maria angry?

4. What happens to make the narrator forget all about his fantasy in #136?

5. Sean becomes increasingly disturbed and ends up ____________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What is significant about the energy created among the men after the group sexual encounter in the subway restroom

2. What happens to the narrator after Sean is gone?

3. How are the narrator's parents portrayed in the book and what do they want most for their son?

4. What is the narrator's life like after he moves to New York?

5. What does the narrator come to learn about Lou and what factor will probably preclude his and Lou's relationship from becoming too serious?

6. What is the significance of the author's using the present tense for scene in which the narrator engages in group sex in the subway restroom?

7. What eventually happens to Sean who is conflicted by his own identity?

8. How does the narrator feel about Lou's criticism of the narrator's work?

9. Who is Sean and how did the narrator meet him?

10. How can Sean's "subhuman" comment be viewed in another context regarding the narrator's letting go of the shame he used to have for his behavior and desires?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The theme of struggling with personal identity is an important one in this novel. Describe how it extends through setting, character and issues and provide examples for each.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the role of gays and lesbians in the 1960s. What precedents were they forced to follow? What restrictions did they have? What freedoms did they have that 21st century gays and lesbians do not have?

Essay Topic 3

Explain the significance of the novel's title--"The Beautiful Room is Empty". Why did White choose this title? Is there an understood message in the title? Is there another title you can suggest that might be more appropriate?

(see the answer keys)

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