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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. Where does Art stop before going to work?

2. What does Art NOT think about the motorcycle rider?

3. What are Art's feelings about Pittsburgh?

4. In what city does the story take place?

5. What is the name of the Bellwethers' collie?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Phlox think her relationship with Art is and what does she do about it?

2. How does the topic of homosexuality first come up in the story?

3. How does the author show Phlox's opinion of Arthur's sexuality?

4. Where is Art working for the summer?

5. What happens when Jane unexpectedly shows up at the summer house?

6. Why does Art search for his picture of Godzilla's egg before leaving his apartment for the day?

7. Describe the environment at the bookstore.

8. How does Art get to meet Cleveland?

9. Describe this period of "dilated time" in Art's life.

10. What information does Art Bechstein, the protagonist, provide at the beginning of THE MYSTERIES OF PITTSBURGH?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the taboo of homosexuality in the 1980s. Compare and contrast homosexuality in America during the 1980s to homosexuality in America today. What major changes have occurred--both positive and negative?

Essay Topic 2

THE MYSTERIES OF PITTSBURGH is a classic story of the search for love. What does that classification entail? Why does this story fit into this category? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Even though Phlox and Arthur both vie for Art's affections, Art is not sure which one to choose. What do Phlox and Arthur represent for Art and why does he think he needs both of them in order to be happy? Explain.

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