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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. How did Cleveland's mother die?

2. Why is Art critical of Phlox's college major?

3. What is Arthur doing when Art arrives at the party at the Bellwethers'?

4. What does Phlox consider her relationship with Art to be?

5. What does Art NOT think about the motorcycle rider?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the topic of homosexuality first come up in the story?

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

3. What is Art's perspective on his education and his upcoming summer?

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

5. What information does Art Bechstein, the protagonist, provide at the beginning of THE MYSTERIES OF PITTSBURGH?

6. How does Art meet Arthur?

7. What are some of the phases that Phlox goes through in her life?

8. Why does Art search for his picture of Godzilla's egg before leaving his apartment for the day?

9. Describe the environment at the bookstore.

10. What happens when the Bellwethers return home early?

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

Create a character study of Art. What are his physical characteristics? What are his motivations? What are his fears? What are his dreams? What else can you say about Art?

Essay Topic 3

Project into the future ten years after the end of the book and write a brief synopsis for the lives of Art, Arthur and Phlox. Be sure to incorporate personal, political and cultural impacts on the characters' lives.

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This section contains 998 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample