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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 does Art realize when he and Arthur go swimming?

2. For whom is Arthur housesitting?

3. Why does Cleveland say Art can command respect?

4. What drug do Art and Arthur do together?

5. Which singing artist are Art and Phlox planning on seeing?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who helps Art to free himself of the bonds related to his father?

2. What is Cleveland's demeanor at the beginning of Chapter 22?

3. Explain the pull between Art and Cleveland.

4. How does Art end up alienating both Phlox and Arthur?

5. How does Cleveland die in Chapter 22?

6. When do Art and Arthur first have sex?

7. What seems to be the source of Art's greatest emotional pain?

8. What does Cleveland ultimately want from his friendship with Art?

9. How is Art both disgusted yet attracted to the experience of being with Cleveland when he makes collection calls?

10. What is Art feeling during the time he has an affair with Arthur in the weather woman's apartment?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the concept of loneliness as it exhibits in the story. Which of the characters are lonely? Are they all lonely in some way? Explain the loneliness and the methods and attempts to overcome it.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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This section contains 990 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample