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. Where does Benny find Paola after spending time with the night watchman?

2. When Captain Hugh leaves Victoria's room, who does he see in a florist shop outside?

3. Who is the competitor for Lepsius's business?

4. What is the name of the rat that the priest describes in his journal as wanting to be a sister?

5. Where does Stencil link V. to a conspiracy?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the plan concocted by the two men outside the wine shop and what does Gaucho propose?

2. What is Herbert Stencil's purpose?

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

4. Who does Benny meet on the subway and who do they introduce him to?

5. Describe Waldetar.

6. Why does Rachel go to see Dr. Schoenmaker's profession and why does it upset her?

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

8. Describe the Sailor's Grave.

9. How did Stencil get wounded in Chapter 5?

10. What does Hugo Bongo-Shaftsbury talk to Mildred about on the train in Egypt?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses some important instances of flashbacks in the stories. Explain what a flashback is and cite at least two making sure to explain what makes each a flashback.

Essay Topic 2

V. is an enigmatic and famous character in this book. Explain the history of V. as you know it. When did the character first appear in the book? What culture seemingly created V.? How has the character changed throughout history? Why do you think Pynchon chose V. as a main character?

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)

This section contains 671 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample