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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 does Campbell's friend's father make for a living?

2. What does Kramer tell Lubel he needs for the Lamb case to move forward?

3. What prominent power-player is arriving at the soiree just ahead of the McCoys?

4. From what event in London is Lopwitz calling in during the conference call in Chapter 3?

5. Which of the following is not a letter that Henry Lamb says could be a the second letter of the Mercedes' license plate?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do the Brits at Leicester's generally pay their tabs?

2. How does Tommy Killian explain the criminal justice system to Sherman in Chapter 17?

3. What is the Mayor's principle fear during his town hall in the Prologue?

4. Why do the McCoys rent a car to go to the Bavardages party?

5. What do Maria and Sherman ultimately decide to do regarding the Bronx car incident?

6. Describe the speech Lord Buffing makes.

7. Describe Reverend Bacon.

8. Who is Roland Auburn?

9. After hearing Sherman's story, what is Freddy's concern?

10. What concerns Sherman McCoy about taking Martin and Goldberg to his garage?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the reasons that Bonfire of the Vanities is regarded as such an acerbic satire is the way characters unabashedly relate to each other in terms of race. Wolfe tends to associate certain qualities with certain ethnic groups. Write an essay about the fraternity of the following three races. What major characters in the novel are of this ethnicity? What do they have in common? What do you think Wolfe is saying about this racial group?

Part 1) WASP

Part 2) Jewish

Part 3) Irish

Essay Topic 2

The world of Bonfire of the Vanities does not often reward the good and honest, but several characters are pragmatic and ultimately honest. Write an essay about these characters. What do they understand about the system that allows them to function in it without losing their souls? What do they achieve in their work? Are they ultimately rewarded?

Part 1) Detectives Martin and Goldberg

Part 2) Bernie Fitzgibbon

Part 3) Tommy Killian

Essay Topic 3

Using the high society parties in Bonfire of the Vanities, write an essay about Wolfe's attitude toward the ceremonies of the upper-crust of New York society. What is expected and decried within these functions? Use specific characters (Judy McCoy, Bunning) and their interactions with Sherman McCoy to argue your point.

(see the answer keys)

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