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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 Nathan want from Lonoff in Chapter 1?

2. Lonoff expresses distaste about the range of his what in Chapter 1?

3. Who does Nathan's father contact for help in getting to a higher person for advice about Nathan's story?

4. Who writes a letter to Nathan at Quahsay?

5. How long have Nathan and his father not been speaking in Chapter 1?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Zuckerman contact Lonoff?

2. What is surprising to Zuckerman about the typewriter in Lonoff's study?

3. Why does Zuckerman begin writing down the names of everything on Lonoff's bookshelves in his study?

4. Why does Lonoff ask Zuckerman to call him Manny?

5. What is one of the most admirable things about Lonoff for Zuckerman?

6. Why is Zuckerman skeptical of the party-goers' analysis of Lonoff?

7. Why does Zuckerman begin writing a letter to his father as he sits in Lonoff's study?

8. Describe Lonoff's living room as Zuckerman sees it in Chapter 1.

9. Why does Zuckerman's father say everyone stopped by on the Sunday Zuckerman was home before leaving for Quahsay?

10. How does the trouble between Zuckerman and his father begin, according to Zuckerman in Chapter 2?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Roth writes "The Ghost Writer" in first person with Zuckerman as the narrator. Write a response explaining why it is important that the story is presented in first person. What does this point of view allow the reader to know about the story's plot? What does a first-person point of view deny the reader? Use specific references to the story in the response.

Essay Topic 2

Amy plays a vital role in "The Ghost Writer." Write a response exploring the role and importance of Amy to the story. How does she interact with the other main characters? Why is she important? What conflicts/events involve Amy? Use specific examples from the story in the response.

Essay Topic 3

In "The Ghost Writer," Zuckerman worships "high art," while Lonoff tends to dismiss it. Write a response exploring the pros and cons of worshiping this "high art." How do the characters demonstrate these pros and cons? Use specific references to the story in the response.

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