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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. During the war, what does Fausto's wife do?

2. Who travels to Malta in Chapter 13?

3. When Foppl was in the army, what happened in 1904?

4. When Winsome comes back to his apartment, who does he find his wife is talking to?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Why are the members of the Whole Sick Crew not bothered by police arrests?

5. When Fausto changes his personality, what is the role that he assumes?

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

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

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

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

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

Politics are also referred to in the book. Pynchon refers to the politics in the German colonization of Africa in 1922. In V., the author devotes an entire chapter to this. Do you think this political story is a vital part of the book? Why or why not? Explain. How else could Pynchon incorporate politics into the book? Also examine the use of politics in relationships.

Essay Topic 2

How is sexuality portrayed in V.? Which characters appear overtly sexual? Which characters are sexually appealing to others and why? What sexual taboos are broken and what issues are raised in relation to sex? Describe.

Essay Topic 3

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

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