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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 time of year does Bogus arrive in Maine?

2. When Bogus undresses at the studio, what article of clothing does he keep?

3. Whom does Bogus ask for the time when he is lost in Europe?

4. How does Biggie describe Merrill?

5. How do Tulpen and Bogus spend their time with Colm while he is visiting?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Tulpen describe Bogus to Ralph?

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

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

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

5. Why does Bogus feel betrayed by the nurse?

6. Why is equality considered destruction in the story of Akthelt and Gunnel?

7. How does the phrase, "There was, of course, no logic to the dwarf's fear of Harold's rather large cat" relate to the movie about Bogus's life?

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

9. When Biggie made her announcement, why did Aunt Blackstone respond with "Of course it is. Certainly, yes!"?

10. When Bogus returns to Tulpen, what changes are noticeable in their relationship?

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

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 3

The poem of Akthelt and Gunnel is added to give Bogus another lens through which to examine his life. Find and support at least four connections between the Akthelt and Gunnel story and the main story of Bogus's life. In what ways can writing his thesis help Bogus to grow?

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