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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. Where does the narrator go at the beginning of the book?

2. Where is the postcard on Lonoff's desk from?

3. To what animal does Nathan's father compare Sidney?

4. How many daughters does Lonoff have?

5. What are the watercolor paintings in the living room of?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why does Zuckerman contact Lonoff?

4. What does Zuckerman think might be a good idea for a writer based on the reactions of the New York party-goers at the publishing party?

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

6. What response does Zuckerman get when he mentions Lonoff's name at a publishing party?

7. Describe the girl-woman Zuckerman sees at Lonoff's house in Chapter 1.

8. What does Zuckerman's father not like about the "Higher Education" story?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In "The Ghost Writer", there is a reference to Henry James' "The Middle Years." Zuckerman comes across the following quote in James' story: "We work in the dark - we do what we can - we give what we have. Our doubt is our passion and our passion is our task. The rest is the madness of art." Write a response exploring the relevance of this quote to the story. What does the quote mean? How does it connect to the book? Use specific references to the text in the response.

Essay Topic 2

The theme of identity is prevalent throughout the story - from Zuckerman looking to form his identity as a writer to Amy finding her identity as a student. Write a response exploring the theme of identity in the story as presented by the main characters. What is an identity? What types of identities are presented in the story? Use specific examples from the text in the response.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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