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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 is the black man that Cleveland fights with?

2. Which of the following does NOT describe Cleveland at the beginning of Chapter 22?

3. Who wins Art's coin toss that helps him make a decision?

4. What does Cleveland force Art to do?

5. What can Phlox sense about Art when he arrives at her house?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How does Cleveland die in Chapter 22?

4. Explain the pull between Art and Cleveland.

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

6. What is a recurring motif in the story?

7. When do Art and Arthur first have sex?

8. How does Phlox meet Art's father?

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

10. Why does Art have such a hard time choosing between Phlox and Arthur?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Explain the taboo of homosexuality in the 1980s. Compare and contrast homosexuality in America during the 1980s to homosexuality in America today. What major changes have occurred--both positive and negative?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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