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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. Why does Clewes leave the reunion?

2. Starbuck realizes the bag woman is " the ______ of Mary Kathleen O'Looney!"

3. Starbuck says wealthy business interests are like "_________."

4. When was the last time Starbuck cried?

5. What connection has Starbuck not made by Chapter 20?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the harp salesman want to call the police on Starbuck?

2. What is ironic about Mary Kathleen's death?

3. Why does Starbuck face more jail time after Mary Kathleen's death?

4. What did Starbuck's life with Ruth embody?

5. Why are Starbuck's reunions with Mary Kathleen and Clewes a climax of "Jailbird"?

6. To Mary Kathleen, why does Starbuck have a good heart?

7. Why should Starbuck have gone to the police in Chapter 11?

8. How does Leen mistake Starbuck for Mrs. Graham?

9. Why are Starbuck, Clewes, Edel, and Ubriaco "saints" to Mary Kathleen?

10. How far has Leland Clewes come since Starbuck last saw him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the metaphor of Fender's story of "Vicuna."

Essay Topic 2

Discuss how "The Sermon on the Mount" applies to "Jailbird."

Essay Topic 3

Real historical events are what drive the story and define the characters of "Jailbird." Discuss the force of reality on this fictional story.

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