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

2. What is the name of the family friends that will be joining Paul's mother on her little vacation?

3. Who does Judy start dating after she hears the truth about Lauren and Franklin?

4. What is the name of the girl Victor thinks about and pines for most on his vacation?

5. What color hair does Daniel Miller have?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. What is the opening scene of the novel?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel, the reader watches as the mystery girl's love for Sean grows into obsession. First, describe what the reader learns about the mystery girl through her letters to Sean. Then, explain how the letters gradually grow into obsession. Finally, explain what happens when Sean rejects the mystery girl at a party. How does she react when her heart is broken?

Essay Topic 2

When Paul is in Boston, he is reunited with an old flame, Richard. First, explain the history that Paul has with Richard and why he was excited to be sharing a room in Boston with his old friend. Then, explain how Paul and Richard treated each other upon their reunification. How did Paul's treatment of Richard compare/contrast to his treatment of Sean?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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