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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 is "yo-yo-ing" practiced by the Whole Sick Crew in Chapter 10?

2. What did the ballerina forget to wear that would have prevented the horrible accident that occurred to her?

3. When Mondaugen feels sick, what does Gondolphin think he has?

4. When Mondaugen was in Africa, what was the project he worked on?

5. Why does Benny want to get a job in Chapter 8?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Paola masquerade as Ruby?

2. How does fate appear to intervene in the life of Benny Profane in Chapter 8?

3. What unfortunate accident occurs to Melanie L'Heuremandi?

4. How does Benny show signs of regression in Chapter 13?

5. Why is Rachel worried about Esther?

6. What is the big change Benny Profane makes in Chapter 13 regarding Rachel Owlglass?

7. Why is Rachel disappointed in Benny?

8. What happens to V. in Paris?

9. Why is Stencil afraid to go to Malta?

10. What does Fausto Mijstral reveal in his letter to his daughter Paola?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

The author uses more than one theme in the novel. Identify at least two themes in the story and then cite an example to support each theme.

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)

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