View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who throws the glass in The Glass?

2. What performer's concert has Tommy bought tickets to in Scotland Takes Drugs in Psychic Defense?

3. Why is Sick Boy annoyed by Renton in In Overdrive?

4. When is the only time that Spud drinks with Matty?

5. Why does Renton not answer the door in Junk Dilemmas No. 64?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do the mates decide to go to the Meadows?

2. Describe the activities of the gang in Grieving and Mourning in Port Sunshine.

3. How does Tommy fall into the heroin lifestyle in Cock Problems?

4. Why are the mates made anxious by Begbie's plans for this chapter?

5. How does Spud get in a brawl in Na Na and Other Nazis?

6. Why is Tommy worried about his girlfriend in Scotland Takes Drugs in Psychic Defense?

7. What does Renton discover the morning after having sex with Dianne?

8. How does Sick Boy dictate activities in The Skag Boys?

9. How is Spud's life since coming off heroin?

10. In what state is Renton at the beginning of the chapter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Undoubtedly, the two most unappealing characters of Trainspotting are Begbie and Sick Boy> Write an essay about these characters. Why are they so despicable? What goal do they have and what tactics do they use to try to achieve them? How do these two characters represent dual sides of sin, complementing each other in their ill deals and transgressions?

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay about the other drugs of the novel besides heroin. While heroin is presented as a life choice unto itself, what other stimulants do characters choose? How do Tommy, Begbie, and Billy add spice to their mundane lives? Discuss how Welsh presents these activities and substances, and whether he presents them as more or less dangerous than smack?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay on the subject of nonparticipation in modern life. To what extent are all of the characters in Trainspotting choosing not to participate in life? What are they distinctly trying to avoid? What pain and disappointment are they wary of? How have the major characters in the novel coped to avoid maintaining ties with each other and family and to avoid having jobs?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,067 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample