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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. How does Sean react to Paul after he is stood up for their "date"?

2. Why is Sean embarrassed of Deirdre when she tries to talk to him at the cafeteria?

3. What type of songs do the foreign men attempt to teach Victor at the nude beach?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Lauren spend the majority of the party pining over her boyfriend Victor?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. How does Mitchell treat Paul after the first time they sleep together?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

At the opening of the novel, both Lauren and Sean have sexual partners that embarrass them, Steve and Deirdre. First, explain why Lauren is embarrassed of Steve and compare/contrast this to the embarrassment Sean feels about Deirdre. Based on the embarrassments of these two characters, what can the reader assume is most important in the relationships of these young characters?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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