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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 when Lauren tells him she is pregnant?

2. What school does Paul's friend Richard attend?

3. Who complains of cigarettes being put out in her mailbox?

4. What color has Richard dyed his hair when he arrives at the hotel?

5. What is the name of Sean's only brother?

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 Victor finally phone Lauren, and what is her reaction to the call?

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

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

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

6. Who is Richard Jared?

7. How does Sean react to the news of Lauren's pregnancy?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Many of the characters in this novel can be seen as escapists, meaning that they escape the truth of their lives through various vices. First, create a list of methods through which characters escape their lives. Then, give at least one example of a character who successfully escapes the truth of their life and compare/contrast that experience to another character who does not succeed in escaping the truth of their lives. What do you think Ellis's overall message about escapism is in this novel?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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