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. In the front hallway of Arthur's hotel in Mexico, there is an enormous portrait of which artist?

2. With what group of artists and writers was Arthur Less once associated?

3. Which country is the last one on Arthur Less's itinerary?

4. What food does the guide in Mexico City name as being at the center of Mexican cuisine?

5. For how long is Arthur alone at the golf resort in Italy before the other prize finalists arrive?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the reasons for Arthur's exhaustion the first morning he wakes up in Mexico?

2. What is ironic about Marian's last words to Arthur before he dives into the ocean during their first meeting?

3. What epiphany does Arthur have about heterosexual men during his search for his lost ring in the produce section?

4. What is the significance of Arthur's temporary loss of the ring given to him by Robert on their fifth anniversary?

5. Why does Arthur automatically lie when he is asked whether he has ever been to Mexico?

6. What other two prize ceremonies are called to Arthur's mind at the awards ceremony in Italy?

7. What is the relationship between Freddy and Carlos?

8. What is the significance of Arthur's habit of not wearing a watch?

9. For what purpose has Arthur come to New York City and what is its end result?

10. What is ironic about Arthur's acceptance of the offer to teach a course in Germany?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the novel's message concerning vulnerability within the human condition?

Essay Topic 2

How is the topic of aging treated within the novel? Create a claim stating the author’s message regarding the process of aging.

Essay Topic 3

Determine the author's message regarding the relationship between comedy and tragedy depicted within the novel.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 944 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample