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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 does Rachel tell Profane that he must convince Esther to do or not do?

2. To whom does Fausto Maijstral write a letter in Chapter 11?

3. What does Slab suggest that Esther do about her pregnancy?

4. While Profane thinks he is settled in his job, what happens that changes everything in Chapter 13?

5. After Profane loses his job, what does he become a full member of?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is Godolphin's point of contention against V.'s argument for Vheissu?

3. Why is Rachel angry with Slab?

4. Why is Stencil afraid to go to Malta?

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

6. Why is Rachel disappointed in Benny?

7. Why is Fina leaving New York?

8. What is Paola's relationship with men in Chapter 8?

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

10. What is V.'s point of view regarding the siege in Africa in 1922?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

The author uses more than one iteration on the motif of life-death-life. Identify at least two examples of the motifs about life-death-life in the book.

Essay Topic 3

Pynchon is known for paying homage to various authors and works of literature. Choose at least four references used in the book. Write at least 250 words on each reference. Also add your opinion as to why Pynchon chose that particular author or reference.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 743 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample