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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 are the names of the two men who are drinking in front of a wine shop in Chapter 7?

2. Who is the world adventurer looking for?

3. Which member of the Whole Sick Crew does Rachel sometimes date?

4. Who calls Benny's name on the loudspeaker at the bus station?

5. Who are the Playboys?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Benny's new job at the end of Chapter 1 and how does he get it?

2. Who are the two Englishmen at the cafe in Egypt that a waiter overhears talking about Victoria Wren?

3. Describe Waldetar.

4. What is the urban legend that Benny Profane actually does?

5. What is Herbert Stencil's purpose?

6. How does Dr. Schoenmaker view Esther in Chapter 4?

7. What happens when Benny goes to the ferry and meets Paola?

8. What is the disturbing discovery that Profane makes about Fina?

9. How did Stencil get wounded in Chapter 5?

10. Who is Morris Teflon and what is his role in Chapter 1?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a brief character study of Benny Profane. What does he look like? What are his positive personality traits? What are some of his negative characteristics? What are his hopes and fears? What motivates him at this point in his life?

Essay Topic 2

Both Benny and Stencil are two of the most active characters.

Part 1) What is their relationship? How do they co-exist and how do they interact? What is similar about them and what is different?

Part 2) What are some events that Stencil had a direct influence upon? What are some events that Benny had a direct influence upon?

Part 3) Which character offers support to the Whole Sick Crew? Which one is stronger and why?

Essay Topic 3

Pynchon constantly brings up metaphors and imagery associated with the supernatural. Give 3 examples of how the supernatural is portrayed.

(see the answer keys)

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