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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. How does Jack come in contact with Cass Mastern?
(a) Cass' grandson contacts Jack to determine if Cass' papers have any financial worth.
(b) Cass offers dissertation services to grad students.
(c) Cass places an ad for an apartment for rent.
(d) Cass was a highly-honored Civil War general.

2. In a flashback, what does the author reveal about Jack's father?
(a) Jack's father was a homosexual.
(b) Jack's father had multiple affairs.
(c) Jack's father left his family with no explanation.
(d) Jack's father never got his law degree.

3. What happens to indicate that Lucy is not engaged in Willie's life?
(a) Lucy takes several independent vacations.
(b) Willie finds her asleep early even with the threat of impeachment hanging over Willie's head.
(c) Willie notices that she no longer has the chef prepare Willie's favorite meals.
(d) Lucy takes frequent shopping trips out of town.

4. What does Jack Burden carry with him?
(a) A pencil and paper
(b) A press pass
(c) A tape recorder
(d) A whiskey flask

5. Who is the narrator of the story?
(a) Willie Stark
(b) Anne Stanton
(c) Adam Stanton
(d) Jack Burden

Short Answer Questions

1. Cass and his brother, Gilbert, and sister, Lavinia, were born in poverty in what state?

2. Who takes over as Jack's father after Jack's father leaves?

3. How many husbands has Mrs. Burden had?

4. On what topic does Willie complain to Jack about Lucy?

5. What is Judge Irwin's response to Willie's request?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the author's purpose for beginning the novel in the way he does?

2. What is the author's purpose of sending Jack on a road trip?

3. How does Judge Irwin react when he sees Jack and Willie at his home?

4. Which of the Mastern family members holds special appeal for Jack?

5. What does the new hospital symbolize for Willie?

6. Under what circumstances did Jack's parents meet?

7. Compare and contrast the funerals for Willie and Adam.

8. Explain how Judge Irwin's death grants Jack his independence.

9. Explain the literary technique of flashback that the author uses in Chapter 1.

10. Why does the author have Jack return home from California?

(see the answer keys)

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