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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. With what vote does Wilkinson narrowly escape his own treason conviction?

2. According to Sam Swartwout, what did Hamilton say that caused Burr to challenge him to a duel?

3. In what month does Sam Swartwout arrive to visit Charlie at the place of his consulship?

4. After Charlie comes to the realization that Burr and Leggett have similar qualities, how does he bring them together?

5. On what grounds does Burr ask Jefferson for the personal favor of getting him a position in his administration?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Burr feel about the Constitutional power given to the President? What other ideas does he have about the Constitution?

2. What position does Burr consider taking in New York and why does he tell Jefferson?

3. Why does Burr gather Jamie Wilkinson, John Smith, Jonathan Dayton, and future president General Andrew Jackson together?

4. What role does Jefferson play in Burr's treason trial after he is captured on February 19, 1807? What is his purpose?

5. Describe the duel between Burr and Hamilton according to Burr's re-enactment.

6. What does Van Buren tell Charlie about Burr when Charlie visits the White House?

7. How does Charlie respond when Mr. Bryant tells him not to publish the pamphlet, and what effect does this response have on Byrant?

8. Describe Burr's initial conversation with Anthony Merry.

9. Who is George Fuller, and why does Helen scream during his visit?

10. When they go out together, how does Charlie introduce Helen and how does he feel about his relationship with the prostitute?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay in which you evaluate the novel's own commentary on itself. What does the novel have to say about history? What about texts? How does the novel define itself?

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay comparing and contrasting two settings in the novel. The difference in setting can be one of time, place, or both.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay in which you explore the writing techniques used by Gore Vidal. How does he communicate history? What effect does this have on the reader?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 909 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample