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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. What denomination of preacher is Miller's favorite bootblack in Monterey?

2. What is Hieronymus Bosch's most widely known triptych?

3. Miller writes that "one must find new ways of looking at things to see ______ undiminished by creation's flaws."

4. Miller is sometimes surprised by revelations of household tragedies too great to describe, even by who, whose domestic life is a sad joke?

5. Hieronymus Bosch's The Millennium is the title of 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 describe in Part 2, Peace and Solitude: a Potpourri, Chapter 1? What is the title of this chapter, and why?

3. How does Miller describe the process of inspiration in Part 2, Peace and Solitude: a Potpourri, Chapter 4?

4. Who does Miller describe in Part 2, Peace and Solitude: a Potpourri, Chapter 7? How is this individual similar to Miller?

5. How does Miller describe corporal punishment in Part 2, Peace and Solitude: a Potpourri, Chapter 10?

6. What family lives in the center of Big Sur's community? Where in the text does Miller describe this family and others?

7. How had Ephraim Doner ended up in Europe?

8. How does Miller describe "Karma" or balance in "The Part of Fortune"?

9. Who is Miller's favorite local painter at Big Sur? In what ways does Miller work to improve his own work?

10. How does Miller stay in touch with the outside world, according to his depiction in Part 1, The Oranges of the Millennium?

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 Miller's use of irony as it applies to his commentary on American values. What is the definition of irony? What effect does it have in this example?

Essay Topic 3

Describe Henry Miller's feelings about fan mail and correspondence. What two chapters are dedicated to this topic in the book? How do they relate?

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