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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 reason did Henry give for wanting to kill himself?

2. Which of the following is NOT one of the ways Lauren fantasizes about Victor while he is on vacation?

3. How old is Lauren's father's new girlfriend?

4. What is the name of the bar Paul and Sean frequent together?

5. What is the name of the girl Sean is most attracted to?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What happens when Sean attempts to have sex with Deirdre after the party?

4. Why does Sean think that Lauren is the girl leaving love notes in his mailbox?

5. Who is Henry, and why is he depressed about his life?

6. How does Victor pass the time during his European vacation?

7. What type of mysterious letters are being dropped in Sean's mailbox, and who does he think the letters are from?

8. What is the opening scene of the novel?

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

10. Why is Paul hesitant to meet his mother in Boston when she requests a visit?

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

This novel is often seen as an homage to the death of romance. Do you agree with this analysis of the novel? Why or why not? Are there any instances of true love in the novel? If so, where? If not, do you think any of the characters are capable of true love? Why?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the opening scene of the novel. Do you think it is an effective opening to the novel? Why or why not? What is accomplished in introducing all the characters at once in one raucous party scene? What is lost?

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