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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. After the first series of curves, what do the children hear above their heads?

2. What does Violet ask the man who is standing outside the trapdoor?

3. Why can't the Baudelaires climb out of the elevator shaft initially?

4. What is everyone at the In Auction wearing?

5. What does the narrator claim is the greatest myth in the world?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is odd about the doorman making bids at the In Auction?

2. Why is moving down the ersatz rope more difficult the second time for the Baudelaires?

3. How are Count Olaf and Esme Squalor alike?

4. Why does Esme continue to insist that Gunther left the penthouse apartment?

5. What is Count Olaf's plan to move Quagmires out of the city and to get his hands on their sapphires?

6. What is symbolic about the Baudelaire children rising up from the ashes?

7. The gentleman at the Baudelaire mansion fire claims that the site is haunted. What is the significance of him calling the Baudelaire ghosts?

8. How is the word "ersatz" used in Chapter 7?

9. What is the importance of the doorman winning the big, red scarlet fish statue?

10. What is unique and strangely sad about the Squalor library?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The title of this novel is "The Ersatz Elevator." Explain how the symbol and literal use of the elevator is presented and supported throughout the novel. In what scenes/actions does the elevator become both symbolic and useful? Use examples from the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

How has political correctness changed the face of our society? Examine examples of political correctness gone array (such as the Squalors' reaction to Gunther's accent). Explain how their fear of breaking the social bonds of political correctness prevents the adults from seeing past an otherwise ridiculous disguise. Use examples from the text to justify your position.

Essay Topic 3

The doorman mentions to Klaus that every problem has a solution. Select three problems from "The Ersatz Elevator" and write the solutions used in the story. Discuss whether you think the solutions are effective. Use examples from the text to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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