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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. At what time of day does Sean agree to drive Paul to the bus station to meet with his mother?

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

3. How does Paul react when he realizes that Richard is trying to seduce him?

4. What drug has made Lauren extremely skinny and unattractive to Sean?

5. Where does Sean see his brother and father for the first time since leaving home?

Short Essay Questions

1. What characteristics about Sean's personality starts to irritate Lauren after they have been dating for some time?

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

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

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

5. Who is Richard Jared?

6. What scene does Paul return home to when he gets off the bus from Boston?

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

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

9. What happens when Sean sees Lauren dancing with another guy at the Halloween party?

10. Why is Paul immediately annoyed with the hotel receptionist in Boston?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Paul has many reasons for not wanting to go to Boston when his mother calls him. First, describe the relationship Paul has with his family. Then, explain why Paul does not want to leave Camden. Finally, explain why Paul's mother wanted Paul to join her in Boston and what Paul's' reaction to this encounter is.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

At the end of the novel, Sean seems to have learned nothing from experience and does not seem to have matured. Is there any character in the novel who seems to have learned from past mistakes? Support your answer with specific details from the novel.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,028 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample