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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. In Chapter 9, what does the author say was once pitted against efficacy?

2. What type of psychic is Claude?

3. What does the character in Chapter 13 do when a sweat attack begins in public?

4. What feeling does the author add to Mr. Glendenning's quote in Chapter 9?

5. In Chapter 9, what does the author say about financial gain relating to this novel?

Short Essay Questions

1. How could the interview in Chapter 21 be described?

2. What makes Chapter 20 confusing in the construction of this novel?

3. In Chapter 13, what problem does the main character suffer from?

4. In Chapter 16, what does Lane Dean Jr.'s character reveal about the work of the IRS?

5. How is Claude's psychic ability described in Chapter 15?

6. Why does Dean marry Sheri in Chapter 6?

7. What does Stecyk try to do in Chapter 12?

8. While describing Stecyk in Chapter 12, what does the narrator comment on about the boy's future?

9. What makes Claude happy in Chapter 2?

10. How does Stecyk change from Chapter 12 to Chapter 14?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What role do nameless characters play in this novel? Consider how they affect the plot and the other characters in the novel. How do these nameless characters influence the major themes?

Essay Topic 2

Explore the author's commentary on government in "The Pale King". What is the preferred relationship between government and citizen? What is the relationship between government and government employee?

Essay Topic 3

How is characterization accomplished in this novel? Consider the fact that characters will appear in one chapter and not again for several chapters. Consider how many of the characters interact with minor and unnamed characters. Also, how is characterization accomplished in chapters that exist to develop the IRS and setting only?

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