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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. According to the narrator, what would you probably see at the front of a chemistry class?

2. What does the narrator suggest the reader do to understand how the Baudelaire orphans feel climbing the staircase without light?

3. While climbing the staircase, how often do Klaus and Violet take turns carrying Sunny?

4. According to the narrator, what does Mr. Poe always have?

5. Whom does Klaus think they should all look for, once the Squalors leave them for the day?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is it important to know that Jerome Squalor could have adopted the Baudelaire children earlier but did not because orphans were not "in"?

2. What is the significance of the trees that once made Dark Avenue "dark" being cut down once "light" is in?

3. What is the importance of the Baudelaire orphans' new guardians being named Squalor?

4. What does the Squalor's apartment say about their lives and their character?

5. What is significant about the Squalor library and its inventory?

6. Why are the references to the King of Arizona important to the story?

7. What does the narrator mean when he states "...like caramel candy, strawberry yogurt, and liquid carpet cleaner, if you eat too much of it you are not going to enjoy your meal"?

8. Why is the meaning of "nervous" and "anxious" important to the reader's understanding of the novel?

9. Why do the Baudelaire children lie about whether they are interested in or enjoy their presents from Esme?

10. What is the significance of the Hansel and Gretel fairy tale to the Baudelaire's search for Gunther in the penthouse?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The theme of what's in and out is prevalent throughout the novel. Select three of the major characters and explain how they experience the effects of in and out and acceptance. Use examples from the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

How does the author's use of puns develop the characterization of the narrator? Use examples from the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Acceptance and rejection are major themes in "The Ersatz Elevator." Choose one of the characters (Gunther, Violet, Sunny, Klaus, Jerome or Esme Squalor) and analyze how he/she reacts to the acts of acceptance and rejection throughout the story. Use examples from the text to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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