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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. What do the mystery letters that appear in Sean's mailbox tell him?

2. Who comes running into Paul's room exclaiming that Henry just tried to kill himself?

3. What nationality is Sean's roommate Bertrand?

4. During what decade is this novel set?

5. Why is the narrator of the novel so determined to get two men back to her bedroom?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Lauren feel guilty about having sex with Franklin at a party?

2. According to Paul's perspective of the evening, what happened when Sean leaves the party and comes back to his house?

3. How does Paul get to the bus station when he is headed toward Boston?

4. How does Sean react when he is turned down for sex by Roxanne at a party?

5. What happens when the unnamed narrator of the novel decides that she would like to lose her virginity?

6. What happens when Victor meets some Yugoslavian men during his vacation?

7. What happens when Paul invites Sean out for Mexican food?

8. How does Sean react when Paul meets him to apologize for missing their date?

9. What is the opening scene of the novel?

10. How does Paul react when he hears that someone is dropping love notes in Sean's mailbox?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Lauren's relationship with Vittrio is clearly a turning-point in her character's life. First, describe the character of Vittrio and how he and Lauren found themselves in a romantic relationship. Then, explain Sean's reaction to the news of Lauren's relationship with Vittrio. How did this affair alter their own relationship? Finally, explain how Lauren's relationship with Vittrio can be traced back to her childhood insecurities. What does this relationship tell the reader about the maturity of her character?

Essay Topic 2

Paul has many reasons for not wanting to go to Boston when his mother calls him. First, describe the relationship Paul has with his family. Then, explain why Paul does not want to leave Camden. Finally, explain why Paul's mother wanted Paul to join her in Boston and what Paul's' reaction to this encounter is.

Essay Topic 3

Many of the students in this novel come from extremely wealthy families, and money is not an issue to them. First, describe how monetary stresses most college students face are erased from the lives of these characters. Then, give at least two examples of scenes in which money is clearly not an issue for the students. Finally, explain how you think coming from families with money has affected the life decisions these students make while at college. Do you think they would live the same spoiled, hedonistic lives if they were not wealthy? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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