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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. In Chapter Six, what does Kit try to convince Al to do?

2. How does Al liken himself to Sammy?

3. Why does Al go to see Kit in Chapter Six?

4. What explanation does Sammy give for not approaching Al about the mistakes in his article?

5. What surprises Al about Hollywood?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Al stare out the window once Sammy leaves in his cab at the end of Chapter Two?

2. In Chapter Two, what does Al mean when he says, "America, America... God shed His Grace on thee?"

3. Why is there tension at The Guild meeting in Chapter Seven?

4. Why isn't Sammy interested in Al Manheim as a mentor?

5. What is Billie's explanation when Al asks her if she would ever be with Sammy?

6. Why does Al think Kit acts cold blooded towards Julian when Julian asks for advice about a job?

7. What does Billie say when Al confesses his love to her?

8. What is Sammy's approach to screenwriting?

9. Why does Al compare Sammy to a time bomb ticking in his brain in Chapter Six?

10. Kit and Al agree that Hollywood is a tough town. How does Kit answer when Al questions why Hollywood is tougher than anywhere else?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Al and Kit's relationship slowly develops throughout the story. Cite three scenes (one from the beginning, one from the middle, and one from the end) in which Al and Kit interact. Explore how these scenes develop their relationship.

Essay Topic 2

"What Makes Sammy Run?" is a politically-fired story. Discuss the role politics play in the novel. Consider the settings of New York City and Hollywood. Be sure to discuss The Writer's Guild and the political role it represents.

Essay Topic 3

Al Manheim is fascinated by Sammy Glick's motivated attitude. Al constantly asks himself the same question, "What Makes Sammy Run?" Sammy's running is symbolic. Discuss the significance of this. Answer Al's question of what makes Sammy run. Consider discussing themes of societal pressure, greed and success.

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