View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does one of the women in the house say about Cleveland?

2. What does Cleveland put the jewelry in before leaving the house?

3. What food does Phlox's roommate serve at her party?

4. What does Cleveland want from Art's father?

5. Who finds Art and Arthur in bed together?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Cleveland die in Chapter 22?

2. How does Art still struggle with his sexuality?

3. When does Art realize what his true feelings are for Arthur?

4. What is the nature of the note Phlox sends to Art via Cleveland?

5. What seems to be the source of Art's greatest emotional pain?

6. What is the symbolism of the cicadas for Art's life?

7. What is Art feeling during the time he has an affair with Arthur in the weather woman's apartment?

8. Describe the scenario in which Cleveland robs the house?

9. What is a recurring motif in the story?

10. Who helps Art to free himself of the bonds related to his father?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

THE MYSTERIES OF PITTSBURGH is a classic story of the search for love. What does that classification entail? Why does this story fit into this category? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 991 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample