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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. Why does Paul not like Zimburger?

2. What is the name of Sanderson's company?

3. Where does Lotterman send Paul to do some research?

4. Where does Sala invite Paul to go with him?

5. Where does Paul go to eat while he is at Sala's?

Short Essay Questions

1. What gives the reader the idea that Paul intends to stay in San Juan?

2. What kind of people like to drink at Al's bar?

3. Describe the San Juan News.

4. Describe Al's bar.

5. What problems do Paul, Sala and Yeaman run into at the bar?

6. Describe the internal problems at the newspaper.

7. What does Paul do on his first day at the newspaper?

8. Describe the argument between Yeaman and Lotterman.

9. What happens to Sala at the end of Chapter 3?

10. How is Yeaman coping with losing his job?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine the novel's chronological setting.

1) What were the main concerns during the 1960's? How does Thompson express these concerns?

2) In what ways do you think the novel's meaning would change if it were set in today's society?

Essay Topic 2

Examine the novel's dialogue. How does Thompson's dialogue contribute to the following areas:

1) Character

2) Setting

3) Plot

Essay Topic 3

Examine Thompson's writing style. How would you describe his prose style? What kind of vocabulary does he use? Does he use any specific writing techniques? What meaning does Thompson's style give to the story?

(see the answer keys)

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