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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 A.J. pose as to cover his real profession?

2. Whose attention does William struggle to catch at the courthouse?

3. On what day does Fats siphon himself into The Plaza?

4. When Carl awakens in the doctor’s office, what is he having tested?

5. Which of the following groups opposes everyone and calls everyone "The Human Virus”?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is symbolized through William’s description of the Island and the Zone?

2. What does the Party Leader discuss in “Ordinary Men and Women”?

3. How is the Exterminator described in “The Exterminator Does a Good Job”?

4. How does William describe junkies destroying themselves physically and emotionally in “Have You Seen Pantopon Rose?”

5. How does the narrative perspective change in the courtroom scenes in the novel? What effect does this have?

6. What different political groups are described in “Islam Incorporated and the Parties of Interzone”?

7. Mary is both an observer and a participant in “A.J.’s Annual Party,” whereas the male characters are only participants. What does this say about the author’s views of female sexuality?

8. What leads to William Lee shooting Hauser and O’Brien?

9. How does Dr. Schafer differ from Dr. Benway?

10. Why is Carl Peterson called for a doctor’s appointment in “The Examination”? Who sees him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the setting of Interzone University and the character of the Professor. What does the Professor symbolize in the novel? How is he described?

Essay Topic 2

William’s character is based upon the real life and experiences of author William S. Burroughs. How does the book mirror William S. Burroughs' real life experiences, including running from the law, traveling to exotic locations, and becoming involved in underground drug and homosexual cultures?

Essay Topic 3

Examine one of the following characters and discuss the character’s background, characteristics, actions, and objectives: 1) William 2) Bradley the Buyer 3) The Rube 4) Jane. How does William feel about each character? [Statement]. [Thought-provoking questions].

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