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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. How many children did Dr. Felix Hoenikker have?

2. What is Dr. Breed's first name?

3. How old is Frank Hoenikker when John finds his picture in the newspaper supplement in Chapter 37?

4. How old was Newt Hoenikker when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima?

5. What is the title of Chapter 19?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the narrative style of Cat's Cradle. Why do you think the author employs this style?

2. How is the character of Sherman Krebbs used as a means to satire in the novel?

3. What irony is revealed in Dr. Breed's assessments of Ilium's history in Chapter 13?

4. What are the Bokononist warnings that the narrator relates to the reader in Chapter 4?

5. What is significant about Frank's action of staging bug fights in Chapter 6?

6. How is the theory of "Dynamic Tension" described in Chapter 47?

7. What aspects of Dr. Hoenikker's character are revealed through Dr. Breed's stories of him in Chapter 14?

8. What statement do you think that Vonnegut is making in regards to politics and science in Cat's Cradle?

9. What irony can be found in Dr. Breed's discussions of superstition in Chapters 16-18?

10. What symbolism can be seen in the graves of Emily and Felix Hoenikker?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the plot structure of Cat's Cradle. Where in the story do the exposition and rising action occur? What comprises the climax of the story? How would you describe the falling action and denouement of the narrative?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and analyze the character of Papa Monzano in the novel. How did Papa Monzano come to power? For how long has he been in power? What characteristics does Papa Monzano exhibit as a character and as a leader?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss the narrative style of Cat's Cradle. From whose perspective is the narrative related? Why do you think the author chose to relate the narrative in this style? How would the narrative differ if it were related from a different narrative perspective?

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