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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 trait does Bogus envy in Dr. Vigneron?

2. Who discovered Bogus had an STD after his first act of intercourse?

3. To what character does Bogus compare Ralph?

4. Who picked Bogus up after his company left him stranded in the country?

5. What did Merrill claim was at the bottom of the Danube?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Kent differ in the business from Ralph, Tulpen, and Bogus?

2. What caused Biggie and Bogus to fight in Chapter 14?

3. How did Biggie and Bogus's first night together differ from their daily life after marriage?

4. Why did Ralph not think he needed to pay Bogus?

5. Describe the irony between Bogus's medical issues and his father's career.

6. Give at least three examples to support Bogus's sense of entitlement in the world.

7. How did Bogus describe Biggie's femininity upon meeting her?

8. How did Biggie's letters differ, and which did she send?

9. Describe Bogus's fascination with Mr. Fitch.

10. How did Bogus's letter to Biggie differ from his daily interactions with her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Bogus Trumper, the main character, makes significant progress throughout the book. Describe this character development and include circumstances from the story that helped prompt this change.

Essay Topic 2

Focusing on the theme of generational conflict, analyze the ties between Mr. Trumper, Bogus, and Colm. How does Bogus's sexual past enter into his relationship with Mr. Trumper? Further down the family tree, how does that relationship help or hinder the relationship between Bogus and Colm?

Essay Topic 3

Choose three writing styles John Irving uses in the novel. Explain how each is used and what each particular mode contributes to the overall piece in terms of its literary style.

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