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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What color is Babette's hair?
(a) Gray.
(b) Blond.
(c) Black.
(d) Red.

2. Where did the psychic live?
(a) In a mobile home.
(b) In the rooming house.
(c) At the mall.
(d) In the dormitory.

3. In what building is Jack's academic department?
(a) Siskind Commons.
(b) Olin Hall.
(c) Adolf Hall.
(d) Centerary Hall.

4. Where does Murray live?
(a) In a hotel.
(b) In a rooming house.
(c) With his children.
(d) In a student dormitory.

5. How does Jack describe his German teacher's complexion?
(a) Albino.
(b) Flesh-colored.
(c) Tawny.
(d) Wan.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does the family crowd into Steffie's room?

2. What does the Gladney family do together on Friday nights?

3. Why does Heinrich interrupt Jack and the girls?

4. How old is Heinrich?

5. Jack says if Denise is a "pint-sized commissar," then Bee was a "silent" what?

Short Essay Questions

1. Characterize Heinrich in terms of the discussion about the rain he has with Jack. What does DeLillo want us to understand about him?

2. What does Babette look like?

3. What is so shocking about Jack's trouble with German?

4. Why is the chair of the department of American environments (the pop-culture department) opposed to Murray's establishment of Elvis studies?

5. What is the mood of the family when they are shopping at the mall?

6. Why does Murray come over to watch television with the kids?

7. Describe the scene that opens the novel, in terms of setting, action and narration.

8. What does Bee claim about the conflict between her mother and stepfather?

9. What is the conflict between Babette and Denise, vis-a-vis sugarless gum?

10. Why does Heinrich stay away when the family gathers to watch the sunset.

(see the answer keys)

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