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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. Where do the police take Winsome after he jumps from the first floor into their net?

2. Who is the German woman with a fake eye that Mondaugen meets?

3. Who goes to the airport to stop Esther from leaving in Chapter 12?

4. Who does Rachel want to know is in her apartment?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Rachel angry with Slab?

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

3. Why is Fina leaving New York?

4. What does Kurt Mondaugen witness in 1922 while in Africa?

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

6. How does V. appear in Chapter 9 and what does this say about her or her role?

7. What are some characteristics of V. that are revealed in Chapter 11 and what do they say about her?

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

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

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

Explain the taboo of abortion that still existed at the time V was written. Compare and contrast views on abortion in America during the 1950s to current views in America today. What major changes have occurred concerning the social attitude towards abortion in both positive and negative ways?

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Describe Stencil; What is his role in the story? What is the author trying to accomplish by creating Stencil as a major character of the book?

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This section contains 707 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample