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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. Howie believes some brain cells need to die in order to gain _______.

2. Howie's first reason that it is okay for brain cells to die is that it's part of a necessary ______.

3. What does Howie spend considerable time thinking about on the subway?

4. What does Howie buy to go with his coffee after his subway revelation?

5. What does Howie use the cardboard from his dry cleaned shirts for?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are Howie's observations about shoes and feet at work?

2. What thoughts about bread does Howie have while riding the subway?

3. What is Howie's focus in Chapter 3?

4. What is the theory that Howie calls the "walking-flexion" model?

5. What is Howie's feeling about ice cube trays?

6. What is the treat that Howie gives himself after making a resolution to not get carried away by nostalgia?

7. What does Howie notice about his shoes as he reties them in Chapter 4?

8. What were the "systems of local transport" that Howie liked as a child?

9. What does Howie believe to be the four reasons why it is good for brain cells to die?

10. Why does Howie purchase a milk carton at Papa Gino's?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss both the narrative tone and structure of this story and their impact on the reader's experience.

Essay Topic 2

Is Howie a purveyor of truths that are too often ignored? Or is he a self-centered young man who spends too much time wrapped up in his own thoughts? Does Howie have redeeming characteristics.

Essay Topic 3

What is the significance of the very brief last chapter of the novel?

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