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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. In "2004," Walter wants Richard to host what?

2. What surprises Patty at her father's funeral?

3. While in college, Joey is torn between what two emotions?

4. In "Mistakes Were Made (Conclusion)," Patty has now come to believe what regarding Walter?

5. What is the status of Joey and Connie's relationship as he is traveling with Jenna?

Short Essay Questions

1. Briefly describe Joey's relationship with Connie as related in "Womanland."

2. Despite the success of Nameless Lake, what is Richard Katz doing for a living? Why?

3. What is Free Space?

4. What happens to Patty after Walter evicts her?

5. In what does Patty take courage?

6. Describe Patty's relationship with her children in the years following her father's death.

7. What surprises Patty at her father's funeral? What effect does this have on her?

8. What happens to Joey's wedding ring? What does this situation teach Joey?

9. In "The Fiend of Athens," what happens when Walter delivers a speech?

10. When Patty hears of Walter's "crazy speech," how does she feel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At the end of the first section, Merrie Paulsen comments on Walter and Patty, saying, "I don't think they've figured out yet how to live" (28). By the end of the novel, have Walter and Patty figured out this important lesson? What, exactly, have they learned about living?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the author's choice to tell this story from multiple perspectives. How does the variety of narrative voices affect the plot?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the issue of parenthood in the novel. What makes a good parent? Are there any good parents in the novel? What, in your opinion, is Franzen trying to say about being a parent?

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This section contains 770 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample