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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. Buddy used to build up strength where?

2. Buddy cuts hair until ____ PM.

3. What does Buddy ask the Brewitts to do with his coat?

4. When does Buddy step out of the marching band?

5. After Buddy and Jaelin perform, where do they go?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Ondaatje use the historical references of Bricktop Jackson, "One-Legged Duffy," Rich, Olivia the Oyster Dancer, and French Emma?

2. Who does Buddy care about more: Nora or Robin?

3. What is the significance of Buddy's hands in Chapter 1?

4. What kind of performer is Buddy?

5. What does Buddy's world look like?

6. What is the effect of Ondaatje's sentence structures?

7. How does Webb feel about Buddy's music?

8. Why did Buddy and Webb's dynamic change?

9. What about Buddy's disappearance is confusing for Nora?

10. What is thematically significant about Crawley's interview?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many of the primary characters in "Coming Through Slaughter" are musicians. Music weaves itself into all their lives and into the narrative. Discuss the use of music in the book and how it influences characters and the narrative.

Essay Topic 2

Buddy is obsessed with death. Throughout the book, the literal and figurative deaths play a large role in the shaping of characters and the narrative. Discuss the nature of death in "Coming Through Slaughter." What does it mean to Buddy? How does it shape the story? What is significant about death in the book?

Essay Topic 3

The setting for Buddy's life in New Orleans is surrounded by dilapidation and depravity, although he doesn't necessarily see it this way. Discuss Buddy's evolving perception of his surroundings and what the setting adds to or reflects in the narrative.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 693 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample