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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. What does Pierre do to assure Charlie he will repay him all that he owes?

2. What does Charlie ask Renata to do for him when they see the wheelchairs on the porch of the nursing home?

3. Who greets Humboldt and Renata at the nursing home door?

4. What is Stronson's actual job before becoming a scam artist?

5. Who does Humboldt want to play the role of Zane Bigoulis?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are Charlie's and Julius's feelings about death?

2. Why does Charlie feel compelled to continue the work of the dead?

3. What is the state of Charlie's life and state of mind in Section 16 as he lives in Madrid?

4. What happens to Corcoran's outlook when he repeats his romantic trip with his wife?

5. How does Charlie explain his relationship with Roger to people abroad?

6. Does Charlie have confidence in PIerre Thaxter's ability to get help for him while in jail?

7. Why does Naomi beg George to take her son with him to Africa?

8. What is Charlie hoping to receive as he has now lived at the pension with Roger for ten weeks?

9. What does Renata think will happen to Charlie if he goes to Texas to see Julius?

10. How does the reader come to realize how close Humboldt must have felt towards Uncle Waldemar?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What messages does the character in Section 7, Gaylord Koffritz, symbolize through small comedic scenarios?

Essay Topic 2

A tenant at the Madrid pension, Rebecca, makes advances towards Charlie. What prevents Charlie from going along with her? How would she compare to the other women who have been in his life?

Essay Topic 3

In one of Charlie's conversations with Dr. Scheldt, he says, "Death is the dark backing that a mirror needs if we are to see anything."

What is the meaning of this statement?

How does the comparison of death and a mirror have special meaning to Charlie?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,022 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample