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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. Where does Franklin claim he was strip searched while traveling?

3. On what holiday does Sean attempt to hang himself?

4. What subject does Vittorio teach at the college?

5. How many classes does Sean learn he is failing?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What events lead Sean to believe that he is falling in love with Lauren?

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

4. What type of relationship does Sean have with Rupert?

5. How does Lauren claim to know the truth about Sean sleeping with Judy?

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

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

8. What happens when Lauren calls Victor for the first time since he left for Europe?

9. How does the mystery girl react to her devastation of being ignored by Sean at the party?

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

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

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

When Lauren breaks up with Sean, he tries a few very lame attempts to kill himself and tries to convince Lauren that his death is imminent at the Halloween party. First, describe the various suicide attempts that Sean tries after his break up with Lauren. How does the reader know that Sean is not serious about trying to end his own life? Then, describe Sean's outburst at the Halloween party after he sees Lauren dancing with another man. How does Lauren react to this violent outburst? What does Lauren's reaction tell the reader about her relationship with Sean?

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