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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. After Harry moves in, how does Bat's attitude about the apartment change?
(a) It suddenly feels too small.
(b) It starts to feel like a home where he could bring a wife.
(c) It seems even more run-down and embarrassing.
(d) It starts to seem like not such a bad place.

2. What is Gallows looking for when he comes into Battersby's apartment?
(a) A joint.
(b) A five-pound note.
(c) A button.
(d) A scrap of paper.

3. What condition does Battersby put on his agreement to take Harry as a roommate?
(a) He wants Harry to agree not to speak to his sister.
(b) He does not want Harry to bring his banjo.
(c) He does not want Harry to be told what the rent is.
(d) He wants Harry to agree to do all the cooking and cleaning.

4. What kind of man does Jean say she would like to marry?
(a) A man like Bat.
(b) A White man.
(c) A man like Harry.
(d) A rich man.

5. When Poor realizes that Harry is feeling down because of Jean, what does Poor suggest?
(a) Harry should be more straightforward with Jean.
(b) Harry should date Matilda to make Jean jealous.
(c) He will talk to Jean on Harry's behalf.
(d) He can fix Harry up with an English woman.

Short Answer Questions

1. What obstacle does Gallows encounter at the first estate agent office he goes into?

2. How did Fitz meet Teena?

3. When Nobby says that his motto is not to interfere in another man's business, what question is he responding to?

4. As Poor approaches his friends in the market, what detail of his appearance does the narrator mention?

5. When Poor and Harry are smoking in the park, what question does Harry ask?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Harry end up holding onto Poor's pack of cigarettes for him?

2. What observations does the narrator make about hidden ambition before telling the story of how Gallows came to England?

3. What does Battersby mean when he tells Alfonso that the weather forecaster is talking about "depression and high pressure" and that these are "things the boys know about" (4)?

4. Describe Matilda's conflicting thoughts about Jean's being a sex worker.

5. Which of Bat's friends takes photographs, and what is comical about how he does it?

6. What does the narrator say to his audience about his decision not to offer more details about Poor's appearance and origins?

7. Describe Battersby's apartment.

8. When the novel opens, what is Battersby doing?

9. Other than the money, what do the things that Battersby imagines the genie bringing him all have in common with one another, and what does this demonstrate about Battersby himself?

10. What did Battersby often listen to on his radio, and why did he stop?

(see the answer keys)

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