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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. To what does Mendelson compare the matrice cadastrale?

2. How does the novel gloss "ferme ta gueule"?

3. When Nick arrives at Sophie's apartment after Mimi's upset, what color shirt is he wearing?

4. In what language does the concierge's daughter's name have meaning?

5. Of which of the following does Mimi have a poster hanging?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Nick note he refuses to engage a prostitute in Amsterdam?

2. For what cause does Sophie note she is willing to "forgive anything" (215)?

3. As Mimi recovers from upset in Sophie's bathroom (141-43), what does she hear Ben's voice say?

4. What advice does Mendelson give to Jess as they hasten towards the Petite Mort?

5. In his altercation with Antoine, how does Nick try to comfort himself?

6. In brief, what does Irina say of Petite Mort's business?

7. What reason does Irina give for excusing herself from Jess and Mendelson?

8. Why does the concierge have an expansive set of keys to the building?

9. What distinguishing mark confirms for Jess that she recognizes a dancer at Petite Mort?

10. What does Sophie note is her usual restaurant order?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

References to particular software platforms and businesses in the novel set it in a specific point in time. How might the novel have been different if set in another major cultural moment, such as the 1970s, 1980s, or 1990s? Why would it have been different in those ways?

Essay Topic 2

The novel consists of some 89 short chapters grouped largely by day of occurrence. What effect does this have on the reader? How is the effect achieved? Why might it be desirable?

Essay Topic 3

What overall attitude towards intoxicants does the novel display? What in the text demonstrates that attitude, and how does it do so?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 543 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample