View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Quinn's first name?

2. What color is Quinn's notebook?

3. Why does Peter not like to go outside?

4. Why does Quinn take off his clothes when he first attempts to write in his prized notebook?

5. Where is Quinn when he first writes in his notebook?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Peter Stillman look like?

2. Why does Quinn pretend to be Henry Dark when he meets Stillman the second time?

3. Why does Quinn go into Virginia and Peter Stillman's apartment in Chapter 13?

4. Why does Quinn choose to leave the library without recording any information in his notebook?

5. Why does Virginia fear for Peter's life?

6. Why does Quinn believe that he is not meant to contact Virginia in Chapter 11?

7. Why does Quinn choose a red notebook to buy while at Heights Luncheonette?

8. Why is Stillman amused by Quinn's name?

9. Why does Quinn contemplate fleeing the country?

10. Why does Quinn publish his books under the name William Wilson?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Quinn only has one true friend represented in City of Glass, the counterman at Heights Luncheonette. He has been coming to Heights for years, and still does not know the name of the counterman. The two men talk about baseball every time they see each other. Write an essay that explores Quinn's friendship with the counterman. How does Quinn act differently while in the presence of his friend? What aspects of his personality change? Why has Quinn never bothered to find out the name of the counterman?

Essay Topic 2

Religion is an element of City of Glass. Write an essay that explores the concept of religion within the context of the plot. Which characters are the most religious? Which are the least? Why is religion important to the story? What role does it play in the development of the plot?

Essay Topic 3

Another recurring theme in City of Glass is that of multiple identities. Quinn has three identities other than his own: Max Work, William Wilson, and Paul Auster. Write an essay that explores the idea of multiple identities within the context of the plot. In what way is Quinn able to use these different identities to his advantage? When is he able to use them? Are other characters aware of these identities?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 813 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample