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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 "No Harm Trying," who has a brilliant idea for a movie?

2. What does Pat find himself unable to write in "Mightier Than the Sword"?

3. What kind of tickets does Pat have in "Pat Hobby's Preview"?

4. What happens to the male star of the film in "Pat Hobby Does His Bit"?

5. In "Pat Hobby's Preview," who got the last set of tickets available?

Short Essay Questions

1. In "A Patriotic Short," what does a swimming pool represent?

2. In "No Harm Trying," what results from Pat's efforts to create a movie?

3. What happens during the shooting of the scene in "Pat Hobby Does His Bit"?

4. In "Fun in an Artist's Studio," what does being asked to sit for an artist cause Pat to feel?

5. In "A Patriotic Short," why does Pat become nostalgic?

6. In "No Harm Trying," whom does Pat bring together and for what purpose?

7. In "Pat Hobby's Preview," what does the co-writer's demand that Pat's name be taken off the credits indicate?

8. In "Fun in an Artist's Studio," how does the artist try to get the look of desperation in Pat's face?

9. In "Pat Hobby Does His Bit," what is ironic in regards to Pat's reaction to his being forgotten in the ditch?

10. Why does Wainwright give Pat the tickets?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

A prominent theme in The Pat Hobby Stories is the politics of Hollywood, and that theme is especially dominant in "Pat Hobby's Preview." How is the theme of Hollywood politics reflected in the story? How does Pat suffer under Hollywood politics? Remember to answer each question with support from the story.

Essay Topic 2

In "Pat Hobby's Christmas Wish," Pat finds out a secret and attempts blackmail in order to get a better job. Describe the situation in which Pat tries to blackmail someone. How is the theme of desperation reflected in this story? Cite a few examples of how the theme of desperation is reflected in the story. Remember to answer each question with support from the story.

Essay Topic 3

In "Pat Hobby, Putative Father," Pat has never really known his son, who comes to visit the studio. Describe Pat and his son's relationship. How do Pat and his son view each other? How do their views affect the way they interact? Remember to answer each question with support from the story.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 770 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample