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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. When Nana opens her eyes and speaks to Sebastian just before he leaves the hospital the day of her stroke, what does she say?

2. What is different about Sebastian and Nana's home in relation to the other homes in town?

3. For what purpose does Nana first ask Sebastian to purchase paint in town?

4. What does Jared do when Sebastian reaches out to touch Jared's scar?

5. According to Nana, the universe is sending a certain thing to people every day. What does she say the universe is sending?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the significance of Sebastian's first experience in a record store?

2. What aspect of the distraction Jared decides to provide while Sebastian steals the bass is so cruel to Janice and why?

3. What element of the pictures he finds of Sid Vicious does Sebastian find inspirational and encouraging?

4. How does Janice's invitation to stay for lunch serve as a major turning point in Sebastian's life?

5. What does Nana say she discovers during a vision she has while Jared has been secretly visiting Jared for the first time?

6. What does Sebastian notice about Nana's clothing just before her stroke?

7. What is the significance of the framed photographs of the dome that Nana and Sebastian sell in their gift shop?

8. Explain the Guiding Principles according to Buckminster Fuller's philosophy of life.

9. What is the significance of Buckminster Fuller's suicide attempt?

10. What reason does Jared give for naming Napoleon as the first punk rocker?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the many instances of irony within the novel's narrative and analyze the author's purpose for including each instance you discuss.

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the character of Jared within the novel. Discuss the methods used by the author in order to make Jared come alive for the reader and include in your discussion determinations about his character's status as either static or dynamic and either round or flat.

Essay Topic 3

Trace Sebastian's character arc from the beginning of the novel to the end. In what ways does he change, demonstrating the elements of a dynamic character and helping to reinforce the novel's major themes?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,173 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample