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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 is the Cloud Factory?

3. What does Art feel when he sees Arthur and Phlox walking down the street?

4. What has Art just completed?

5. What happens to Happy, the Bellwethers' collie in Chapter 7?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are some of the phases that Phlox goes through in her life?

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

3. Why does Art agree to have a beer with Arthur?

4. What happens when the Bellwethers return home early?

5. Who is Happy?

6. What two landmarks does Art mention as places he visits often?

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

8. How does Art meet Arthur?

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

10. How do the precipice and the cloud factory symbolize Art's fantasies for his new life?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the role of Cleveland's character in the book? Why did the author choose to insert him into the story? Do you think Art and the other characters are better off or not for Cleveland's presence in the story? Explain.

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

The role of parental influence is a strong one on most of the men. Cite three examples noting the role of the family in general. Then cite three examples that showcase how the men feel their parents impacted them negatively.

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