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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. During what month of the year did Lauren first cheat on her boyfriend, Victor?

2. Which of the following is NOT something Lauren is self-conscious about?

3. What nationality are the men who approach Victor at the nude beach and teach him to sing songs in their native language?

4. When Lauren skips classes, what does she typically do?

5. What is the name of the man who sleeps with Deirdre at the Thursday party even though he is not interested in her?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What type of relationship does Lauren have with her parents?

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

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

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

9. According to Sean's perspective of the evening, what happens when he leaves the party and goes back to Paul's house?

10. What is the opening scene of the novel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Lauren is a girl with a trouble past, particularly in regard to her parents. First, explain what type of relationship Lauren has with her parents and how this relationship feeds into her insecurities. Then, explain how Lauren's relationship with her parents affects her personal decisions particularly in regard to her romantic life.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the novel, the reader sees glimpses into Sean's romantic history, including stories of many ex-girlfriends. First, create a time line of significant romantic relationships in Sean's life and the lessons he learned from each one. Then, use the time line to explain Sean's treatment of Lauren, particularly at the end of their relationship. Do you think Sean's behavior in his relationship with Lauren was inevitable? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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