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This test consists of 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain Saroyan's use of character names and situations as mirrored from Homer's THE ODYSSEY. What character and location names can you identify that also appear in this work? What situations can be compared to events in THE ODYSSEY. Why would Saroyan choose to make these analogies in this work?

Essay Topic 2

The story takes place as America is in the throes of World War II. Explain the significance of the war on America in general and in Ithaca in particular. What impact did the war have on the choices that the characters make? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Create a brief character study on Mrs. Macauley. What does she look like? What are her positive personality traits? What are some of her negative characteristics? What are her hopes and fears? What motivates her--if anything--at this point in her life?

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This section contains 141 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample