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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. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, how many hours of television Failures of Christianity (murders) has one watched by graduation?

2. Why are Germans frightening?

3. Jane gives birth to how many children?

4. After reading William Styron's DARKNESS VISIBLE how does Vonnegut classify those that are suicidal?

5. Why does Vonnegut feel out of intellectual step with his new neighbors in Cape Cod?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Vonnegut believe Alcoholics Anonymous is the U.S.'s most nurturing contribution to planetary culture?

2. What terrible thing happens to sufferers of "Folk Society Deficiency," or FSD? Give an example.

3. What is Vonnegut's opinion on war?

4. How is Vonnegut different from other authors mentioned in this chapter?

5. What are some examples of humorists who have lost their humor after a certain age? How has their humor been lost?

6. Name two things Vonnegut mentions in his letter to the future.

7. What have other cultures done to oppress Germans and those of German descent?

8. Why do the MIT graduates applaud politely but not take Vonnegut seriously?

9. How has Vonnegut's belief in the cause of mental illness changed since the beginning of the book? Why?

10. What does Vonnegut mean when he tells the MIT graduates that they have the power to turn loose or reign in enormous forces?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The First Amendment allows Americans the freedom of speech and the press.

Part 1) Although Vonnegut supports this, why does this freedom upset him? Give examples from the text.

Part 2) What part of the First Amendment does the NRA use to support its cause? Do you agree with the way the NRA interprets this freedom?

Part 3) Write a letter to the NRA expressing your opinion about its interpretation of the First Amendment.

Essay Topic 2

The Women's Liberation Movement coincides with Jill Krementz's blossoming into womanhood.

Part 1) How does Jill act like a woman involved in this movement?

Part 2) What would you ignore or go without to have more freedoms?

Part 3) Do you believe Jill is brave for the way she lives her life? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Vonnegut says he does not care if he is remembered when he dies.

Part 1) What examples of authors does he give who do want to be remembered?

Part 2) Compare and contrast the reasons why Vonnegut and other writers may or may not want to be remembered.

Part 3) Do you want to be remembered when you die? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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