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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 has a stroke, how long does Sebastian tell the reader it takes the ambulance to arrive after Janice Whitcomb calls 911?

2. What does Sebastian say to the Whitcombs just after he tells them his name?

3. Whom does Jared name as the first punk rocker?

4. What does Sebastian uncover about Sid Vicious's amplifier in his research about the punk rock icon?

5. In Buckminster Fuller's most famous quote about religion, what had he said about God?

Short Essay Questions

1. What comments of Sebastian's upon his first visit to Jared's house infuriate Jared and cause him to lash out at Sebastian?

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

3. What does Sebastian say he used to require from Nana in order to be able to fall asleep and what is its significance?

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

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

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

7. How do Nana's past predictions about Sebastian's path contrast with her pronouncements about him after her stroke?

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

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

10. What does Sebastian reveal to the reader about crying during the scene when he is riding with Nana in the ambulance?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss how the author of The House of Tomorrow succeeds in eliciting emotional responses from the reader in spite of Sebastian's inability to emote within his narration due to his stifled upbringing.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the ways in which the philosophies of Buckminster Fuller have had a positive effect on Sebastian's character and behaviors. What is the author's purpose in pointing out the positive aspects of Buckminster Fuller's restrictive philosophies?

Essay Topic 3

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

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