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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. In what year was the character born?

2. Which character intends to start a new life with a new identity?

3. The character believes that it is what year?

4. Who presents Prez to Boss Smiley in the afterlife?

5. What job does the girl take onboard?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss the character's youth and how his actions affected his future.

2. Why does Jim decide to keep silent about the storm of fish?

3. What happened in 1970 that changed Prez' life?

4. What happens shortly after Prez becomes President of the United States?

5. What happens after Brant leaves his room? Who does he meet?

6. Jim thinks that perhaps the stowaway might be which character in disguise?

7. What precipitates the great storm that plagues the ship?

8. What is the name of the character telling the tale of Hob's Leviathan? What is the time period?

9. What is the story told by the stowaway? What characters are involved?

10. When does the owner of the ship appear in the story? What is the captain's reaction?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many characters end up in strange worlds or alternate realities, suggesting the existence of a parallel universe. What are your thoughts on a parallel universe? Do you think one can exist? Can there be more than one? If so, are certain intersections or events predestined or does free will rule over all? What do you think might be happening in your parallel universe right now?

Essay Topic 2

Gaiman uses many metaphors in his writing, some of which are quite subtle. Choose at least three strong metaphors and three subtle metaphors for use in discussion. What do you think prompts Gaiman to utilize metaphors? Which are the most obvious to you? Are some metaphors and references too obscure for the general public? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the characters in "The Golden Boy." What are the main differences between Nixon and Prez? Which made the best president? What are strengths and weaknesses of each?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 640 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample