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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. At the beginning of Chapter 2, what does Augusten spray in his mouth to kill the taste of alcohol?

2. What did Rae do after she left her doctor husband?

3. What type of scotch does Augusten prefer in his apartment?

4. Who does Augusten call immediately before going to sleep at the end of Chapter 2?

5. What concern about Wendy's credentials does Augusten have when he meets her in Chapter 5?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the confrontation between Greer and Augusten in Chapter 2.

2. How does Augusten become acclimated to Proud Institute in Chapter 3?

3. How are Pighead and Augusten unable to connect romantically?

4. What post-Proud plan does Rae lay out for Augusten in Chapter 4?

5. How does Augusten meet Foster in Chapter 5?

6. What is unusual about Augusten Burroughs' childhood?

7. What is Augusten's immediate reaction to rehab in Chapter 3?

8. Why does Augusten like the Cedar Tavern?

9. How do the Faberge clients regard Augusten in Chapter 2?

10. What is Rae's story?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Augusten Burroughs' perception of self changes several times over the course of his memoir Dry. This is a reflection of the major life changes he goes through. Write an essay about the three changes in self-perception Augusten has over the course of the novel:

Part 1) How does Augusten see himself in the days leading up to his intervention? Discuss why he believes he is fooling people about the extent of his drinking. How does he slowly come to terms with the fact that he is not a charming lush? What does he realize about his habits?

Part 2) What changes in Augusten's life make sobriety one of several concerns in his life rather than the central concern? Discuss the events that make him suddenly not care if he remains sober and healthy? How does he change his habits as a result of this?

Part 3) What change occurs in Augusten's self-regard that suddenly makes him want to become sober again? How is self-preservation play a major role in this shift? What is Augusten's sense of self at the end of the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Pighead begins Dry as an estranged friend of the protagonist and ends it as a guardian angel. Write an essay about Pighead's trajectory in the novel. How did he and Augusten first meet, and why are they estranged when Augusten goes into rehab? Discuss how their relationship develops as Pighead's health declines. Why is Pighead largely responsible both for AUgusten's relapse and decision to return to rehab?

Essay Topic 3

One of the counselors at Proud Institute warns Augusten that his life will have to reshape around him. She compares him to a puzzle piece that must have matching pieces to connect with. Write an essay about three components of Augusten's life and whether they reshape to match him:

Part 1) What kind of relationship do Jim and Augusten have before he attends Proud Institute? Discuss Jim's reaction to Augusten's news that he is going to rehab. What is their one interaction after Augusten is sober like? Does Jim reshape for a sober Augusten?

Part 2) What is Greer's attitude toward Augusten at the beginning of Dry, and how does it change after he returns from rehab? Describe the awkward interaction that marks their first meeting. How does Greer proceed to reshape her life for him?

Part 3) How is Augusten's relationship with Pighead different from his other relationships after rehab? To what extent does Augusten reshape himself to complement Pighead? Does this turn out to be destructive, productive, or ambiguous?

(see the answer keys)

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