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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. Why does the author say he was given a new social security number?

2. In Chapter 2, where is Claude reassigned?

3. In Chapter 14, what rank do the prebriefer's have?

4. How is Chapter 11 constructed?

5. In Chapter 13, what part of the character's body is not affected by the sweat attacks?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Wallace have to watch the interviews in Chapter 14?

2. In Chapter 10, how does the author explain the existence of the bureaucratic systems he describes?

3. What is Stecyk's job in Chapter 14?

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

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

6. What makes Chapter 4 different from Chapters 1-3?

7. What makes Claude happy in Chapter 2?

8. In Chapter 9, what does the author say is wrong with his publisher?

9. In Chapter 9, what does the author say about the first few pages of any book?

10. In Chapter 5, what has happened to the boy's mother?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How do characters remain the same as they age? How do they change? Compare and contrast the characters who change vs. those who remain the same. What message does this deliver about childhood and the transition into adulthood?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the use of symbolism in "The Pale King". Consider the significant jobs in the IRS REC, the IRS van, the pre-employment house and other important objects.

Essay Topic 3

What is the role of interview in "The Pale King"? Consider the interviews conducted with tax payers, IRS employees and people wishing to become IRS employees. What message is conveyed about the interviewing process?

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