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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. Where does Sean take Lauren on vacation after he hears about her pregnancy?

2. In what state did Paul's ex-girlfriend used to live, the girl that Paul's mother still thinks he is dating?

3. What is the theme of the party where Lauren and Sean meet?

4. What is the name of the hall where Sean's hippie ex-girlfriend lives?

5. What is Paul doing in his hotel room when Richard returns and tires to flirt with him?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the real reason Paul's mother has requested her son to come visit her in Boston?

2. Why does Paul abruptly leaves Boston?

3. What happens when Sean and Lauren spend the night together for the first time in his room?

4. What type of interaction does Paul have with the cab driver who takes him from the bus stop to the hotel in Boston?

5. What bumbling apology does Sean try to make to Lauren in regards to his cheating, and how does Lauren respond?

6. What do Norris and Sean do together when they drive into town on Halloween night?

7. Who is Vittorio, and what type of relationship does he have with Lauren?

8. How does Sean react when Lauren breaks up with him for cheating on her?

9. How does the mystery girl find out that she has no chance of having a romantic relationship with Sean?

10. Why does Victor finally phone Lauren, and what is her reaction to the call?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Unrequited love is prominent theme throughout the novel. Choose at least two instances of relationships considered to be unrequited love. Then compare/contrast the reasons behind this unrequited love. Why can't it be reciprocated? Then, explain the results of this unrequited love in the characters' lives. Why might Ellis claim that unrequited love is the most dangerous kind of love?

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)

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