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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. Whose motorcycle helmet does Art wear?

3. What does Art do after he and Arthur make love on the step?

4. Why does Phlox leave the restaurant early?

5. How does Cleveland die?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Art still struggle with his sexuality?

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

4. Why is Art uncomfortable knowing that the other gangsters know who he is?

5. What seems to be Art's routine of how he spends his days and nights this summer?

6. Explain the pull between Art and Cleveland.

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

8. How does Cleveland blackmail Art?

9. When does Art realize what his true feelings are for Arthur?

10. How does Phlox meet Art's father?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the significance of the book's title--THE MYSTERIES OF PITTSBURGH. Why did Chabon choose this title? Is there an understood message in the title? Or is the author just having fun with the reader?

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

Project into the future ten years after the end of the book and write a brief synopsis for the lives of Art, Arthur and Phlox. Be sure to incorporate personal, political and cultural impacts on the characters' lives.

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This section contains 943 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample