View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How long was Lonoff in New York?

2. Who is Meema Chaya?

3. What is the subject of the paper Nathan takes with him on his interview?

4. Who calls Nathan at Quahsay?

5. What does Nathan stare at, in Lonoff's study?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is pinned to the bulletin board in Lonoff's office?

2. Why does Zuckerman's father go to Judge Leopold Wapter with the "Higher Education" story?

3. How does Zuckerman describe a typical Lonoff hero?

4. How does Zuckerman's father think the "Higher Education" story will be perceived if it is published?

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

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

7. What is Zuckerman carrying in his briefcase that he takes to Lonoff's house?

8. Why does Zuckerman read Henry James' "The Middle Years" twice in one night?

9. Why does Zuckerman's mother call Quahsay?

10. Why does Zuckerman say he stays up in Lonoff's study?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Philip Roth is a Jewish writer, and many of his books focus on the treatment and conditions of Jews in America. "The Ghost Writer" is no exception to this topic. Write a response exploring how Roth views the treatment and status of Jews through "The Ghost Writer." How are Jews portrayed in the book? How does the portrayal reflect Roth's own beliefs and interpretation of the treatment of Jews? Use specific references to the text in the response.

Essay Topic 2

In "The Ghost Writer," Roth explores the idea of an author's responsibility to his subjects and characters. Write a response exploring how this idea of responsibility is portrayed in the story. How does Roth connect this idea to the characters in the story? How is Roth responsible for the subjects and characters in the story? How are the writers in the story responsible for their own subjects and characters? Use specific references to the text in the response.

Essay Topic 3

Lonoff's wife, Hope, is an important element of "The Ghost Writer." Write a response explaining the importance of Hope in the story and the role she plays in the plot. What happens to Hope that affects the other characters in the story? Use specific examples from the story in the response.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 914 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample