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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 type of car does the limo driver own?

2. In Bogus's dreams, what fact do people not believe about Merrill?

3. Who helped Bogus to leave town for Europe?

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

5. In Bogus's dream in Chapter 28, where were he and Biggie?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why does Bogus feel betrayed by the nurse?

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

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

6. What change does having Colm around spur in Tulpen?

7. Describe Bogus's new attire.

8. How does Bogus relate his life to cancer?

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

10. How is Sprog symbolic of Bogus?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What introspective view of Bogus can the reader gain from the way in which Bogus finishes his translation?

Essay Topic 2

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?

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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