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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. According to a News Reel, what did Luther Burbank develop?

2. For which patent attorneys does Janey go to work?

3. What is the natural disaster that occurs in San Francisco while Mac is there?

4. Annabelle and Johnny begin to take _________________together.

5. Whom does Mac meet and become attracted to in San Francisco?

Short Essay Questions

1. What could Maisie have done to keep Mac in Los Angeles with her?

2. After meeting Ben Evans, what does Mac decide?

3. What happens at the theater? What does Mac do?

4. What does Johnny do for work, and why does he move to Ocean City?

5. What happens when Fainy and Bingham ride the train to Michigan?

6. What does Ike do that leaves Mac stranded?

7. Where does Mac live with Maisie and what is their relationship?

8. Who is Annabelle Marie Strang, and why is she important to Johnny?

9. Where does Janey work in Washington DC? What knowledge does she acquire?

10. What happens on the train ride to Chicago that Mac takes?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The 42nd Parallel is an example of fictional realism. What does that classification entail? Why does this novel fit into this category? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Politics play a significant role throughout the entire book. In the 42nd Parallel, John dos Passos asks and sometimes offers occasional answers to big philosophical questions about the role and rights of workers in society, the equality of men and women, and important figures of the early 20th century. Do you find John dos Passos' arguments convincing? Why or why not? Do any of his characters show strong political opinions and, if so, about what? Describe.

Essay Topic 3

Explain John dos Passos' use of irony in the 42nd Parallel. Cite examples of at least two different instances of humor and explain why the author used them where he did.

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This section contains 858 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample