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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 Art tell the bookstore employees?

2. How does Art respond when Cleveland tells Art he likes him?

3. Who is the protagonist of THE MYSTERIES OF PITTSBURGH?

4. What was Art's major in college?

5. Which is Phlox's favorite book?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Art meet Arthur?

2. Where is Art working for the summer?

3. What is the first intimate interlude between Art and Arthur?

4. Why are Cleveland's antics a source of possible problems for Art?

5. What happens when Jane unexpectedly shows up at the summer house?

6. How does Art feel about Cleveland's meeting his father?

7. How does the author use foreshadowing for the character of Cleveland and his effect on Art's life?

8. Why does Art agree to have a beer with Arthur?

9. How does Art meet Phlox?

10. Why is Art so critical of Phlox's French major?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the role of Cleveland's character in the book? Why did the author choose to insert him into the story? Do you think Art and the other characters are better off or not for Cleveland's presence in the story? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the significance of the book's title--THE MYSTERIES OF PITTSBURGH. Why did Chabon choose this title? Is there an understood message in the title? Or is the author just having fun with the reader?

Essay Topic 3

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of hope. Identify at least two themes about hope in the book. Then cite an example to support each theme you name.

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