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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 title of Chapter 95?

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

3. Ice-nine is composed entirely of what two elements?

4. By what names does the narrator refer to the sun in Chapter 90?

5. Who is the doctor that attends to Papa Monzano, according to Julian Castle in Chapter 83?

Short Essay Questions

1. What considerations does John have regarding Bokononism as he writes his presidential acceptance speech in Chapter 101?

2. Why does Frank Hoenikker solicit John to take the role as President of San Lorenzo?

3. How does the narrator describe the morality surrounding the Hoenikker children taking the Ice-nine in Chapter 113?

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 signified by Angela's statements about her father's income in Chapter 80?

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

8. Why was Bokononism initially banned? What impact did the ban have on Bokonon?

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

10. What causes the contamination of Ice-nine during the celebration in Chapter 115? What happens when Ice-nine is released?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and analyze the character of Newt Hoenikker in the novel. What information does Newt relate to John via letters? How does John perceive Newt when they finally meet? What are Newt's relationships like with his siblings?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss John's relationship with Mona in the narrative. Why is John pressured to marry Mona? How do they relate to one another? What do they have in common? How do they differ in their perceptions and beliefs?

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