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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 "We've Only Just Begun," what does Jordan gift Jordy?

2. In "Talking to Myself and Feeling Old," where does Marielle intern?

3. What is Alec's trail mix?

4. Who found Alec's dead body first?

5. Marielle's statement that Mia did not have Max's features is an example of what?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Naomi say "nerd alert" (146) when she sees Jordan in in "Talking to Myself and Feeling Old" - what is the purpose behind his decision?

2. Why does Jordan want to return to Columbia; what does he think about the political state in Columbia versus America?

3. What is Jordan's job and current opinions on his field in "Yesterday Once More"?

4. Why is Jordan's group chat called NANA's HUNGRY LITTLE PIE EATERS and who is Nana?

5. Who was the first classmate that Jordan lost and what happened to him?

6. What does Jordan think about the painting in Big Sur?

7. How does Marielle look and dress in "Yesterday Once More"?

8. What reasoning does Marielle give for wanting to have sex with Craig in "We've Only Just Begun;" what motivates her?

9. Why does Jordy refuse to go for a swim in "Talking to Myself and Feeling Old"?

10. When Jordy sneaks into Jordan's room at Big Sur, what do they discuss and how does their discussion end?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Select either the section where the friends eat at Nepenthe, or the section where the friends are on mushrooms. Write an essay discussing how Rowley uses imagery to explain what cannot be said in words. When the friends are unable to find the words to talk about something serious, does Imagery take the place of conversation?

Essay Topic 2

Selecting any of the sections titled "The Jordans," write an essay discussing why Rowley uses a different tone and mood when discussing Jordan's diagnosis. What is the literary effect of this? What is Rowley trying to suggest with this juxtaposition?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay discussing what you believe the symbolic meaning behind Naomi's cabin/Big Sur is. Why does the group choose Big Sur to return to? What larger thematic elements does Big Sur represent? Make sure to include an explanation and sufficient textual evidence to support your claim.

(see the answer keys)

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