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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 does Henry identify as the last straw of the bacchanal evening?

2. Where does Richard stay for the last few days of winter break before he can get into his dorm room?

3. Where does Richard shave and shower during winter break?

4. Where is Hampden and when was is founded?

5. Where does Bunny say he would rather stay while in Rome than the hotel Henry has chosen?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Bunny die? What part do the group members have in his death?

2. Where do Henry and Bunny go for winter break? Why does Henry come home early? Where is Bunny?

3. Why does Henry take Bunny to Italy? Does his plan work? How does Bunny behave in Italy?

4. When Richard goes to meet with Julian to talk to him about misgivings he is having about his academics, who does he find talking with Julian? What are the two saying?

5. When Henry comes to Richard to ask questions about dosages and chemicals, what does he tell Richard about his plan to solve the group's problem with Bunny? How does Richard respond?

6. Where did Richard grow up and spend his high school years? What do we know about his family? How does he feel about his family? His hometown?

7. Who is dead at the opening of the book? Why does the author begin his story this way? What do we know about the dead boy in the opening paragraphs of the book?

8. What arrangements does Richard make for winter break? Where does he go to find help? What does he find when he moves into his new place?

9. How does Bunny treat Richard during the weekend at Francis' house in the country? What important information about Richard becomes obvious to the group?

10. Charles and Camilla tell Richard about Henry's education. What does Richard learn about Henry in this conversation? Why is he surprised?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the first chapter, Richard explains had he remained in California, he "might have ended up in a cult." How important is the statement to the story? Explain how this statement is an example of the use of irony in a novel.

Essay Topic 2

In this novel, the lines between protagonist and antagonist are blurry. Who do you consider to be the protagonist(s) in the story? The antagonist(s)? Support your position.

Essay Topic 3

Setting is often an important element of a novel. Describe the setting of this story. How does the setting affect this novel? Why is it important to the plot?

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