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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. According to the author, the subgroups in the Oxford English Dictionary had to be ______ organized.

2. How did Minor regard the Asylum?

3. How did Minor feel about the rules being sent to him by Minor?

4. Who created the fictitious meeting of Murray and Minor?

5. How did the author describe Murray's work in Chapter 8, Annulated, Art, Brick-Tea, Buckwheat?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the significance of Minor's submissions evolving from one slip of paper to large paper bags arriving in Murray's office.

2. Describe how Minor may have felt when he entered the property at the Broadmoor Asylum.

3. The author only briefly mentions Dr. Hall's absence from the dinner. Why is this significant in relation to his opinion of Minor?

4. What was one of the greatest mistakes Murray made upon arriving at Broadmoor and speaking to the superintendent?

5. Was it good that Minor began to view the asylum as his home?

6. What was miraculous about Mrs. Merrett deciding to see Minor at Broadmoor?

7. It is suggested that Murray's letter to Minor was a token of forgiveness. Why?

8. Why could Minor more easily understand Murray's directions in comparison to others?

9. What effect did Murray and his workers' reliance on Minor's letters and help have on Minor?

10. What was revealed about Minor's character in regards to his response to Murray's letter for help on the Oxford English Dictionary?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the links the author draws between various vices such as sex, drugs, and alcohol and their influence on the events of the story.

Essay Topic 2

Much of Chapter 3, The Madness of War, is taken up with Charles Minor's exploits around and during wartime. From this chapter, how do you think the author feels about war? Give examples to back up your answer.

Essay Topic 3

The title of the book and its chapter titles are somewhat surprising considering that this is a non-fiction book about the making of a famous dictionary. Why are the titles surprising? Discuss what effects the author may have aimed for in choosing these titles.

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