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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 does the author envision Kirkwood like in "The Volunteer"?

2. What did the author initially think that the man lying down was fiddling with in "Public Lying Down"?

3. What tree blossoms does the author describe as smelling like lemons in "The Purple Cornets of Spring"?

4. What does the author note about the wrapper of the candy in "Botan Rice Candy"?

5. In the opening line of "Incorporation," the author claims to be an enthusiastic what (155)?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the author describe his grandfather in "The Wave of Unfamiliars"?

2. What similes and metaphors are seen in "The Purple Cornets of Spring"?

3. How is the young man described in "It's Just the Day I'm Having..."?

4. What is the setting of "Pawpaw Grove"? How is it described?

5. How is the word "jenky" defined and illustrated in "The Jenky"?

6. What commentary does the author include regarding New York City in "An Abundance of Public Toilets"?

7. How does the author describe his mother's demeanor in "Judith Irene Gay, Aged Seventy-six Today!"?

8. What event is central in "An Abundance of Public Toilets"? Why does the author find delight in this occasion?

9. What irony is seen in the essay "The Marfa Lights"?

10. What does the crow symbolize in "The Crow's Ablutions"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the structure of The Book of Delights. How many essays comprise the collection? How do the essays flow into one another? Is there a relationship between each essay? Why do you think the author has structured the collection in this way?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the author's explorations of nature in The Book of Delights. What are examples of nature that are highlighted in the essays? What do they symbolize? How does the author connect delight with nature and gardening?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the author's perceptions of himself in the essays in The Book of Delights. How does the author present himself? What are the attributes he is fond of? What are some of his negative traits?

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