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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 has the director in "No Harm Trying" not worked in months?

2. In "Pat Hobby's Preview," what does the secretary give Pat?

3. Why does the studio hire Pat in "No Harm Trying"?

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

5. Where does Pat talk to the President in "A Patriotic Short"?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. In "Mightier Than the Sword," how does Pat get a job?

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

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

6. Describe what faults Pat finds in the actress, call boy, and director in "No Harm Trying."

7. Describe Pat's experience with the President in "A Patriotic Short."

8. What results in Pat's job opportunity in "On the Trail of Pat Hobby"?

9. Why does Wainwright give Pat the tickets?

10. In "No Harm Trying," why does Pat's idea fail?

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 "A Man in the Way," Pat shows his darker side. Describe the transformation of Pat's character throughout the story. What instigates his transformation? Does Pat's transformation aid or deter him? Remember to answer each question with support from the story.

Essay Topic 3

Pat used to be an important person at the studio. He was successful and popular, but that has changed. How has Pat's career transformed throughout the years? What is his role as a writer now, and how does his current role affect his judgment? Remember to answer each question with support from the story.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 756 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample