View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where do Andy, Dag, and Claire live?

2. In Chapter 14, what does Andy plan to do for Christmas?

3. What nickname does Dag have for his office cubicle?

4. What is Dag's surname?

5. What year is it permanently in Texlahoma?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 1, what does Andy say worries him about his dogs?

2. What happens to the Astronaut named Buck when he lands on Texlahoma?

3. In Chapter 10, what does Andy recall was on his mind when he was on the phone trying to track down photos from Depeche Mode?

4. What does Andy slip into Dag's drink in Chapter 13?

5. Summarize the story Andy tells about a man named Edward in Chapter 9.

6. At the beginning of the novel, what does Andy recall doing when he was fifteen years old?

7. What does Andy say about his parents' house in Chapter 15?

8. How and when do Andy and Claire meet?

9. What does Buck ask each of the Monroe girls to do?

10. Why does Claire choose the corner of Cottonwood and Sapphire Avenues for their picnic in Chapter 3?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the protagonist of Generation X, Andy Palmer. What are his defining character traits? What is he struggling with throughout the narrative? Describe his lifestyle and outlook on life. Is Andy truthful with himself and his friends? How does he progress throughout the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the character of Claire Baxter. What are her defining character traits? What are her relationships like with Andy and Dag? What is her relationship like with Tobias and Elvissa? How does she grow throughout the narrative?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Coupland's use of imagery. How does Coupland use irony to reiterate the themes of the novel? What is the meaning behind the imagery found at the end of the novel?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 915 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample