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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 is the name of Paul's mother?

2. Even though Sean promised to drive him, how does Paul end up getting to the bus station?

3. What activity does Sean regularly participate in that annoys Lauren?

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

5. When Sean storms out of Vittorio's house, who does he meet at a bar and sleep with?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why does Lauren think that Victor is dead, and how does she react to this news?

4. What happens when Lauren and Sean take a vacation together in New York?

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

6. After breaking up with Victor, what does Lauren realize about her feelings for Sean?

7. What happens when Sean goes to the hospital to visit with his sick father?

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

9. How has Richard changed from the last time Paul saw him when they were in high school?

10. Why does Paul abruptly leaves Boston?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

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

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?

(see the answer keys)

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