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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 task will Arthur be doing for Jane's family?

2. What does Jane privately ask Art about Cleveland?

3. Where does Art's father live?

4. Which of the following does NOT become intoxicated while telling stories about Cleveland?

5. What is Arthur doing when Art arrives at the party at the Bellwethers'?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Art get to meet Cleveland?

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

3. What fantasy does Art employ when he is about to make love to Phlox for the first time?

4. How does Art feel about Cleveland's meeting his father?

5. Describe the environment at the bookstore.

6. How does the author use foreshadowing for the character of Cleveland and his effect on Art's life?

7. How does the author use foreshadowing when talking about Art's interest in Arthur's homosexuality?

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

9. What is the story of Cleveland's family?

10. What is Art's perspective on his education and his upcoming summer?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of hope. Identify at least two themes about hope in the book. Then cite an example to support each theme you name.

Essay Topic 2

Create a character study of Cleveland. What are his physical characteristics? What are his motivations? What are his fears? What are his dreams? What else can you say about Cleveland?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the overall setting for the book. Why does Chabon use the setting he does? What is the time period of the story? How important is the time period to the attitudes and issues of the characters?

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