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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 would the name of their press be, according to Japhy's plans for he and Ray's future?

2. What does the slip Ray gives to Japhy say? May you use the _____________ of mercy.

3. What does Japhy say 'woo' means in Chinese?

4. Who does Ray find to be cynical and even jaded as they continue to talk?

5. Some of the partygoers decide to ________, which Ray finds amusing.

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Japhy want to introduce Ray to some friends at a lecture and discussion session?

2. What does a local confide to Ray when the two become drunk together?

3. What does Japhy do with his girlfriend who tries to board the boat with him to Japan?

4. Describe Rhoda's fiance as Ray sees him at their first meeting.

5. Where is Japhy living when Ray finally finds him along his journey?

6. What does Ray hear Japhy wants to do with his life at this time?

7. For how long does Ray continue to meditate in the woods?

8. What does Ray do as he stays in the shack behind Sean and Christine's home?

9. How does Ray get from El Paso to Los Angeles?

10. What does Ray realize as he settles into his position in the middle of the woods?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The suicide of Rosie is a tragic part of this story, though it seems to be a necessary evil within the story as well.

Part 1: Describe the circumstances of Rosie's suicide.

Part 2: Who might be to blame for her suicide? Who might have been able to stop her?

Part 3: What are the consequences of Rosie's suicide?

Essay Topic 2

Not surprisingly, one of the main themes in "The Dharma Bums" is the idea of non-conformity. This makes sense, given the time period in which Kerouac wrote.

Part 1: How is the theme of non-conformity expressed in this manuscript?

Part 2: Is there one person who seems to be more non-conformist than the rest? Why did you choose the person you did?

Part 3: If everyone is non-conformist, then can anyone truly be non-conformist? Isn't conforming to non-conformity problematic?

Essay Topic 3

Settling into one area seems to be something Ray is unable to do, preferring instead to travel from one location to the next as his moods dictate.

Part 1: What does the idea of always moving seem to say about Ray?

Part 2: Do you think Ray is truly a wanderer or someone who is always trying to run away from his life? Why?

Part 3: What does the wandering of Ray seem to say about the idea of being still? What does the author seem to be saying about staying in one place?

(see the answer keys)

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