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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. To which two continental philosophers does the narrator credit the concept of the "noble savage"?

2. According to Stillman's book, what was the biblical Adam's only task in the Garden of Eden?

3. From which historic landmark does Quinn telephone Virginia Stillman for the thirteenth time?

4. During their third and final meeting in Chapter 9, what name does Quinn give to Stillman?

5. Which historical figure was faced with the challenge of standing an egg on its end?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what year did Stillman lock up his son? Why is this significant?

2. What is the financial and societal status of the Stillman family? Where do the Stillmans come from?

3. According to Peter, what was his father's motivation for locking him up in the dark for so many years? Was he successful?

4. What role does fate have in Quinn's involvement in the Stillman case? What does Quinn consider to be a sign of fate's decision?

5. What interests Auster about the authorship of Don Quixote? According to Auster, what was the experiment that Don Quixote was conducting?

6. What job does Virginia Stillman hire Auster to do? How does she expect him to start?

7. Where does Stillman go after leaving Grand Central Station? Why is Quinn surprised by this?

8. Why did Stillman invent the persona of Henry Dark? What significance does this name have?

9. What is Stillman's project as he explains it to Quinn in Chapter 9? Why is this work necessary?

10. Describe Stillman's daily routine. What items does he take with him on his daily walks?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Letters are important objects in The New York Trilogy. How do these objects impulse the action of the narrative? Give two specific examples from The Locked Room.

Essay Topic 2

Maps are important objects in City of Glass. How are maps used in this story? What is the symbolic association between maps and exploration as it relates to the character of Stillman?

Essay Topic 3

Deception is a major theme in The Locked Room. Give three examples of deception in the story and explain the consequences for the writer. What message is communicated about deception and truth in the story?

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