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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. Which child is a Miller favorite, gentle, silent, and thankful for everything, probably a result of the torments he has endured having birth defects corrected?

2. Where does the Basque girl go after leaving Big Sur?

3. What does Miller save and study to learn other painters' art?

4. Who is Miller's favorite of the child painters in Big Sur?

5. Miller asserts that all has been said and done and all one can add is what?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is able to thrive in Big Sur and who is not, according to Miller in Part 1, The Oranges of the Millennium?

2. What does Miller write in Part 1, "The Oranges of the Millennium", in describing the community of Big Sur?

3. What does Miller write of Dianetics in Part 2, Peace and Solitude: a Potpourri, Chapter 9? What is Dianetics?

4. How does Miller describe Ephraim Doner in "Testimonial in Ut-Mineur"?

5. What does Miller attest is the principle problem with the people of Big Sur? What comparison does Miller make to classical tragedies?

6. What is Harvey's affliction and what does Miller advise to him in Part 2, Peace and Solitude: a Potpourri, Chapter 1?

7. Miller writes commentary in Part 1, The Oranges of the Millennium, examining the American Dream. What are his major points?

8. Miller discusses his thoughts and philosophies on painting in Part 2, Peace and Solitude: a Potpourri, Chapter 4. When did Miller begin painting and how much has he painted at this point in the book?

9. What are some of the eccentricities of "The Anderson Creek Gang," which Miller describes in Part 2, Peace and Solitude: a Potpourri, Chapter 2?

10. What artists and writers does Miller describe living within the Big Sur community in Part 2, Peace and Solitude: a Potpourri, Chapter 2? How do they support themselves?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Henry Miller's unique narrative in Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymus Bosch. What new "genre" of literature is Miller noted for originating?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the themes of marriage and divorce in the novel. How does Miller reflect these themes in his life? How many times was Miller married, and to whom?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the major points of conflict in Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymus Bosch. What conflicts in the novel are external? Which are internal? How does Miller build tension in Part 3 through conflict?

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