View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Chapter 30, what stands out most to Sylvanshine about Glendenning?

2. In Chapter 31, what do the people wait for?

3. How does Sylvanshine describe examinations to Reynolds in Chapter 30?

4. In Chapter 22, what makes David interested in tax and tax law?

5. What does David say happened to his mother in 1971?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Sylvanshine talk to Reynolds over the phone in Chapter 30?

2. What happens with the lawsuits that follow David's father's death?

3. What concerns Lane Dean Jr. most about the work he does in Chapter 33?

4. How does David feel while Ms. Neti-Neti leads him into the IRS REC?

5. How does David's early IRS training differ from Cusk's?

6. What are IRS phantoms?

7. Why does David feel he wasted his youth in Chapter 22?

8. How does David's father's arm get stuck in the train?

9. In Chapter 22, why does David take a long time getting to the train?

10. In Chapter 27, what reason is given for possibly not conducting an audit?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Even though this novel has many characters, what makes David the protagonist of this novel? Compare his role in the novel to definitions of protagonists. How can a protagonist still exist in such a disjointed novel?

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 746 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample