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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. Upon receiving the news about Merrill's disappearance, whom does Bogus go to visit?

2. What time of year does Bogus arrive in Maine?

3. What causes Tulpen to cry after her argument with Bogus?

4. What does Gunnel stuff in the heads of the dead?

5. How does Biggie describe Merrill?

Short Essay Questions

1. What might the statue foreshadow for the reader?

2. What makes the limo driver nervous on the way to Maine?

3. How does Bogus reflect on the life of a prostitute?

4. Why does Bogus tell Colm that the story he's been telling him at bedtime is real?

5. In what ways does Old Thak represent Ralph?

6. How have Bogus's views on promiscuity changed throughout the novel as he has grown older and had various relationships?

7. How does Biggie indicate that the relationship between Bogus and Tulpen is the same between Bogus and Biggie?

8. What did Bogus's return package to his father symbolize?

9. Why does Bogus feel betrayed by the nurse?

10. What plans are being made for Ralph's next movie?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Merrill Overturf dies in the Danube looking for the tank he often mentioned to Bogus. He was hoping to impress a girl with his discovery. What symbolism does this death have in relation to the way Merrill led his life?

Essay Topic 2

John Irving's writing style in this novel is choppy, bouncing between time periods and points of view. There are also a myriad of writing modes involved. How are each of these elements key to the story that unfolds, as far as the plot and narrative being told?

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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This section contains 995 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample