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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 Platt say his father first began experiencing manic episodes in Chapter 9: “Everything of Possibility”?

2. Theo says in Chapter 12: “The Rendezvous Point,” “Whatever you said about my dad, you couldn’t say he didn’t have” what?

3. The cop show that Theo sees his father on in Chapter 12: “The Rendezvous Point” is from about what year?

4. Where does Boris say his wife lives mostly with his children in Chapter 10: “The Idiot”?

5. What item of jewelry does Theo give to Kitsey to wear at their wedding in Chapter 10: “The Idiot”?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Theo do once he returns to his hotel in Chapter 11: “The Gentleman’s Canal”? Why is this a significant part of the story?

2. When does Chapter 9: “Everything of Possibility” begin? What does Theo learn from Platt Barbour in the beginning of the chapter?

3. What accusation does Lucius Reeve make regarding Theo’s past in Chapter 9: “Everything of Possibility”?

4. What does Theo learn about Havistock Irving from Hobie in Chapter 10: “The Idiot”?

5. What does Theo confess to Hobie in Chapter 9: “Everything of Possibility”?

6. Where does Theo hide the museum painting in Chapter 8: “The Shop-Behind-the-Shop, continued”?

7. What does Theo confess to Hobie after he returns home in Chapter 12: “The Rendezvous Point”?

8. How does Theo’s mindset change once he has begun classes in Chapter 8: “The Shop-Behind-the-Shop, continued”?

9. How does Theo describe his business dealings in Chapter 9: “Everything of Possibility”?

10. What does Boris bring with him when he arrives in Chapter 12: “The Rendezvous Point”?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Theo’s “secret” – the hidden painting – and his reasons for keeping this secret to himself. What does Theo envision as the consequences he might face for having taken the painting from the museum? Are these fears well-founded? Why or why not? What would be the wisest course of action for Theo to take regarding the painting?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of alienation in the novel. How has Theo become alienated in Las Vegas? How does his alienation differ here from in New York? What are some examples of symbolism and imagery that support this theme in the reading?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and analyze the setting of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Theo’s impressions of this setting. How does Las Vegas compare with New York for Theo? What are some examples of imagery the author uses to illustrate this setting?

(see the answer keys)

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