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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. What kind of classics does Howie like to read?

2. What does Howie consider to be an honor to use in the corporate bathroom?

3. What invention does Howie praise lavishly while visiting the corporate bathroom?

4. Howie says eyebrows rise reflexively when people do what?

5. What is the name of the second theory Howie has about his broken shoelaces?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Howie's observations about shampoos lead him to consider?

2. What does Howie note about eating and drinking at the same time?

3. How does Howie demonstrate that he enjoys thinking about finances?

4. What does Howie notice as he rushes out the revolving door and onto the plaza for his lunch break?

5. What are the four thoughts that Howie has in quick succession at the end of Chapter 12?

6. What does Howie note that he is surprised about in the men's bathroom?

7. What observations does Howie make about vending machines?

8. Howie does Howie think his corporation flaunts their status?

9. Why does Howie need to purchase earplugs every week?

10. What does Abe jokingly claim to Howie while they talk in the men's room?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the literary impressionism used in the novel and the overall effect it creates.

Essay Topic 2

What is the symbolic significance of both the shoelaces and how Howie resolves the mystery of the shoelace breakage?

Essay Topic 3

Has Baker achieved a literary work of profound complexity or is "The Mezzanine" a trivial novel, completely lacking in plot? Explain your view based on evidence in the novel.

(see the answer keys)

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