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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 scars does Pickett have on his face?

2. What does Pickett tell friends after his fight with Buddy?

3. At the diner party, after the food fight with Robin, Buddy describes his retreat as what?

4. What survives the fire?

5. How do Buddy and Robin feel life will be like without each other?

Short Essay Questions

1. What analogy does Buddy use to describe Webb's intervention?

2. In his description of the fight with Pickett, how does Buddy interrupt himself?

3. Is Buddy considerate of Jaelin's feelings? How does he approach Jaelin's emotions?

4. What was unfortunate for Pickett in his fight with Buddy?

5. How does Buddy feel about coming back home?

6. Is Dude Botley superstitious about hymns? How?

7. At the end of Chapter 2, is a new crisis inevitable? Why?

8. How does Buddy feel about John Robichaux?

9. Is Bellocq unstable?

10. Is Buddy helpless? How?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Webb is Buddy's oldest friend and is the one responsible for finding him. Buddy and Webb as adults seem to be polar opposites. Discuss Webb and Buddy's friendship and what role Webb plays. Why is Webb the character for these events? What does he offer to the narrative?

Essay Topic 2

Buddy's relationship with Robin is one of the most self-destructive he has. Through his relationship with Robin, his weaknesses and flaws are put on display. Discuss Buddy's relationship with Robin and what themes it draws from the book. How is Buddy a victim in this? How does he victimize? What role does this relationship play in interconnection? Is it the most significant relationship?

Essay Topic 3

Ondaatje varies his style in both narrative and diction. At times it feels indiscernible but with a greater purpose. Discuss Ondaatje's writing style in "Coming Through Slaughter."

(see the answer keys)

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