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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 was Howie's first glimpse into the social contract as a child?

2. What does Howie buy to go with his coffee after his subway revelation?

3. Howie's first reason that it is okay for brain cells to die is that it's part of a necessary ______.

4. What does Howie call his theory for shoelace wearing?

5. Howie believes that losing brain cells makes a person _______.

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Howie notice about his shoes as he reties them in Chapter 4?

2. Why does Howie purchase a milk carton at Papa Gino's?

3. How does "The Mezzanine" begin?

4. What is Howie's feeling about ice cube trays?

5. How does Howie describe the experience of opening a package of shirts from the dry cleaners?

6. What is Howie's focus in Chapter 3?

7. What is the treat that Howie gives himself after making a resolution to not get carried away by nostalgia?

8. Howie does Howie's shoelace break?

9. What thoughts about bread does Howie have while riding the subway?

10. What are Howie's observations about shoes and feet at work?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the symbolic significance of the earplugs? Why does Howie feel compelled to spend an inordinate amount of time isolated within his mind?

Essay Topic 2

What is the meaning behind the title of the novel?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the theme of the innate philosopher in everyone and how it resonates throughout the book.

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This section contains 700 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample