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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. Who does Angel hit in the clubhouse?

2. Who does Evan Godolphin go to visit in April 1899?

3. Who does Waldetar see crying?

4. What is the name of the lover of Victoria Wren?

5. What is the name of the owner of the bar in Norfolk, Virginia?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What is Herbert Stencil's purpose?

4. What does Rachel have a desire for that all the other members of the Whole Sick Crew appear to lack?

5. Describe Rachel Owlglass.

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

7. Why does Stencil go to the dentist and what does he discover?

8. Describe Victoria in Chapter 7.

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

10. Why does Esther fall in love with her plastic surgeon?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the concept of loneliness as it exhibits in the story. Which of the characters are lonely? Are they all lonely in some way? Explain the loneliness and the methods and attempts to overcome it.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the significance of the novel's title. Why do you think the author named the book V.? Now that you have read the book, how does that alter your understanding of the title? Are you intrigued to find a sequel? Why or why not? Cite examples to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 709 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample