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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 is the capital of San Lorenzo?

2. What is the title of Chapter 100?

3. Who performs "Cat House Piano" on the album that Newt plays in Chapter 81?

4. What is the company that Angela's husband is President of, according to Newt in Chapter 80?

5. What was the name of Felix Hoenikker's identical twin?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Newt's painting described in Chapter 74? What does it signify?

2. What irony can be seen at the memorial celebration on San Lorenzo?

3. What is done with Dr. Von Koenigswald's body in Chapter 113? Why?

4. How does Mrs. Crosby feel about her circumstances after the destruction of Ice-nine?

5. What symbolism can be seen in the story of the shipwreck on San Lorenzo that is related by Philip Castle?

6. What is ironic about Ambassador Minton's statement regarding the 100 martyrs?

7. How does the author characterize Papa Monzano when he is introduced?

8. What is Philip Castle's implication when he asks John if he sells medicine in Chapter 70?

9. What is remarked about history from Bokonon's writings in Chapter 113? What does this statement mean?

10. What is satirical about the "writer's strike" that Philip Castle proposes in Chapter 103?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the concept of nihilism as explored in the novel. How does Vonnegut satirize nihilism in the narrative? What characters represent nihilism? What becomes of these characters?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Kurt Vonnegut's use of literary, religious, and historical allusions in Cat's Cradle. What are examples of literary works alluded to in the novel? How do these works relate to Cat's Cradle in terms of theme, character, setting, etc.? What purpose do the allusions serve in the narrative?

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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