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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. Who gives Art the strength to distance himself from his father emotionally?

2. What kind of car does Abdullah drive?

3. Why does Art's father seem to be sad at dinner?

4. At what type of restaurant do Art and Phlox meet Art's father?

5. What is Arthur's mother's job?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Phlox meet Art's father?

3. What is the symbolism of the cicadas for Art's life?

4. How does the author insinuate that Art's mother's death was somehow mob related?

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

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

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

8. What is the irony revealed when Arthur's mother comes to the apartment with mended clothes?

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

10. Explain how Art's lack of real friendship in his life has driven him to behave the way he does with Cleveland, Phlox and Arthur.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,073 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample