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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 city does the author describe sitting on a bench in "The Negreeting"?

2. What store does the author describe the woman exiting with her kids in "Lily on the Pants"?

3. On what street in Chinatown does the author describe seeing two people sharing a bag in "Sharing a Bag"?

4. Whose quote does the author describe inside the elevator doors at the Embassy Suites in "Some Stupid Shit"?

5. Where does the author describe walking when he saw a lychee dealer in "My Birthday, Kinda"?

Short Essay Questions

1. How would you describe the narrative style in "My Birthday, Kinda"?

2. What kind of plant is described in "The Irrepressible: The Gratitudes"? What are the author's impressions of the plant?

3. What is the central symbol in "Infinity"? What does it represent?

4. How does the author describe his parents in "My Birthday, Kinda"?

5. What event does the author describe attending in "Giving My Body to the Cause"? Why is this event significant?

6. What quote is described by the author in "Some Stupid Shit"? What does he remark about this quote?

7. What is the setting of "Praying Mantis"? What atmosphere does it evoke?

8. What is meant by "TEMPORAL ALLEGIANCE" (107) in "Stacking Delights"?

9. Who was Vertus Hardiman and why is he discussed in "Hole in the Head"?

10. How is Don Belton described in "Flower in the Curb"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss three examples of similes and metaphors in The Book of Delights. What is being compared in each example? What are the effects of the comparison? How does the author's use of simile and metaphor enrich the work?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the author's allusions and references to popular culture in The Book of Delights. What musicians, songs, and films are referenced by the author? How do these works relate to his themes in this collection? How do they connect to the author's delight?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the author's language style in The Book of Delights. How does the language flow? Does the author employ assonance, alliteration, or onomatopoeia? Is there a rhythm to the prose?

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