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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 kind of flowers does the author describe carrying through the streets of Rome in "Tomato on Board"?

2. What does the author note about the wrapper of the candy in "Botan Rice Candy"?

3. Who wrote the poem "The Bear" that is referenced in "Scat"?

4. What book does the author describe Susan Blake giving him in "Cuplicking"?

5. What kind of bush does the author describe crowding his blueberry bush in "The Jenky"?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is the central subject in the essay "The Volunteer"? How is this individual described?

2. How does the author describe his mother's demeanor in "Judith Irene Gay, Aged Seventy-six Today!"?

3. What commentary does the author include regarding New York City in "An Abundance of Public Toilets"?

4. What activity is the central subject in "Get Thee to the Nutrient Cycle!"?

5. What does the crow symbolize in "The Crow's Ablutions"?

6. What is the author's central point in "Incorporation"?

7. What is the setting of "Babies. Seriously."? What atmosphere does this setting evoke?

8. What movie is described in "Scat"? Why does the author discuss this movie?

9. What does the author describe happening to him and his brother in "Dickweed"?

10. How is the young man described in "It's Just the Day I'm Having..."?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Define and discuss the meaning of "delight." What is the etymological history of the word? What does it mean to you? How has its meaning changed? How does the author define it?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the author's explorations of nature in The Book of Delights. What are examples of nature that are highlighted in the essays? What do they symbolize? How does the author connect delight with nature and gardening?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the themes of sorrow and death in The Book of Delights. How does the author incorporate these themes into a book about joy? What symbols relate to these themes? What individuals are thematically connected to these concepts?

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This section contains 760 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample