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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. Who finds their professor passed out in his office, reeking of marijuana?

2. How much money does Marc owe to Sean for drugs?

3. Why does Sean invite Paul to go for a meal with him?

4. What nationality is Sean's roommate Bertrand?

5. Which of the following characters did the hippie think was beautiful, a fact that deeply irritated Sean?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Who does Paul meet on the bus on the way to Boston?

3. What does the mystery girl think is going to happen when she attends the "Dressed to Get Screwed" party?

4. What is the reaction of friends when word spreads that Tim has gotten Sara pregnant?

5. What connection does the drug addict Marc make to his addiction and JFK's assassination?

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

7. What is the significance of the quote "when the sun sets"?

8. What type of relationship did Sean used to have with the hippie he once dated?

9. What event prevents Paul from meeting Sean for their "date"?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Ellis depicts many of the young people in his novel as as sex-crazed drug addicts. Do you think this is a fair representation of youth culture? Why or why not? Do you think Ellis was being serious in his representation of youth or satirical? How can you tell?

Essay Topic 2

What are Victor's three main desires during his European vacation? List each of his desires and describe at least one scene in which he attempts to satiate that desire. Do you think Victor is acting selfishly on his vacation, or do you think he earned this time to himself? Why?

Essay Topic 3

The relationship between Paul and Sean is certainly one of the most confusing in the novel. What discrepancies does the reader see in the two retellings of the relationship? Why do you think Ellis chooses to present the relationship between these men with confusion rather than straight narrative? Do you think this method of storytelling is effective? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 900 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample