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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 Stecyk appear trustworthy in Chapter 12?

2. In Chapter 19, how are the speakers identified?

3. In Chapter 19, what is one main reason given for the problems of America?

4. What is the main topic of Chapter 11?

5. In Chapter 13, what does the character try to attribute his sweating to?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the author claim this novel is memoir in Chapter 9?

2. In the beginning of this novel, how does Claude feel about his job?

3. How is Chapter 9 different from the rest of the chapters in this novel?

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

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

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

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

8. What types of information does the author provide via interview in Chapter 14?

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

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

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

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?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the commentary on employment that occurs in this novel. Compare and contrast the types of employment and the relationship between the careers of the characters and their overall happiness.

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