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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. Where is Sylvanshine in Chapter 30?

2. In Chapter 22, why does David go to Libertyville with his father?

3. In Chapter 22, why does David say he grew up knowing some tax laws?

4. Why does David feel confused in Chapter 27?

5. In Chapter 30, what is Sylvanshine's job?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 27, what surprises Cusk when he returns from his break?

2. In Chapter 27, what worries Cusk most about his training?

3. In Chapter 22, what reason does David give for going to the IRS for a job?

4. How do the IRS employees entertain themselves in Chapter 32?

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

6. In Chapter 27, why is the word "profitable" not used officially?

7. What is Chapter 25 about?

8. In Chapter 22, what details does David give to explain his parents' divorce?

9. Why is Lehrl's office so important to Reynolds in Chapter 30?

10. How does David describe the van ride after he is hired by the IRS?

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

Knowing that "The Pale King" is unfinished, how does this influence the novel? What impact does this have on the development of the plot and the characters? How does the inclusion of author notes influence these things?

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