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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. How many questions for Nathan are included with the letter?

2. Where does Nathan go to be interviewed for his college admissions letter?

3. How long has Nathan let his father stew?

4. Who is the city's first Jewish mayor?

5. What battleship was Sidney on, according to Nathan's story?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Zuckerman convince Lonoff to meet with him?

2. Why is Zuckerman surprised when Lonoff says nothing happens to him during their conversation in Chapter 1?

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

4. Why does Zuckerman contact Lonoff?

5. What does Zuckerman's first reading of Lonoff's work show him about his own life?

6. Describe the man Nathan Zuckerman meets in the beginning of Chapter 1.

7. What does Zuckerman tell Lonoff when he asks Zuckerman about his life in Chapter 1?

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

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

10. How does Zuckerman react to the decor in Lonoff's home?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In "The Ghost Writer," Zuckerman searches out Lonoff as a mentor and father figure. Write a response exploring Zuckerman's search for a father figure. Why is he looking for a mentor and father figure? How does Zuckerman's relationship with his own father contribute to him seeking out another mentor/father figure? Use specific references to the story in the response.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout "The Ghost Writer," Roth explores the theme and idea of needing inspiration to create art. Write a response exploring this theme in the story. Which characters are looking for inspiration to create their art? Which characters and events serve as inspiration for this art? Use specific references to 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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 849 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample