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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 13, what happens when the character tries to hide his sweating?

2. Why is the taxpayer being interviewed in Chapter 21?

3. How does Stecyk's neighbors react to him in Chapter 12?

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

5. Why is Lane outside of the office in Chapter 16?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What makes Claude happy in Chapter 2?

5. In Chapter 13, why does the main character pay attention to the way he sits?

6. In Chapter 5, how is the boy described?

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

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

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

10. Why does Dean marry Sheri in Chapter 6?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the theme of boredom in this novel. How does the author try to influence his readers' opinions about boredom?

Essay Topic 2

Research the IRS to compare the IRS details in the novel to the truth. Why might the author have maintained some facts and disregarded others?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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