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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 the introduction, Brooks states that Harold and Erica have what type of skills?

2. What essential activity do Rob and Julie disagree on in Chapter 2?

3. What does Brooks say both Julia and Rob worry about doing when they meet?

4. How does Brooks describe Harold's intelligence in Chapter 6?

5. Which Greek figure does Harold compare himself to in his journal when discussing anger?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Ms. Taylor shape Harold's interest in the classical world?

2. How does Ms. Taylor guide Harold's reading in Chapter 6?

3. Describe Ms. Taylor.

4. How did Brooks come up with the idea of telling a story to illustrate his social critique?

5. What great skill does Harold have in high school?

6. How does Brooks describe the day-to-day life of the Composure Class?

7. According to Brooks in the introduction, why are Harold and Erica so successful?

8. What did John Bowlby's research reveal about childhood?

9. What are mirror neurons?

10. What does Damasio determine about living without emotion in Chapter 1?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In their travails and life-journeys, Harold and Erica face challenges brought on by incompetence in others. Write an essay about two characters who represent significant failings in the way systems function? How does this person manage and interact with others? How do the protagonists deal with this individual?

Part 1) Harrison

Part 2) Taggert

Essay Topic 2

Harold's professional life takes an interestingly circuitous trajectory as he searches for spiritual fulfillment. Write an essay about the different stages of Harold's professional development:

Part 1) What about Erica's offer inspires Harold to end his odyssey period after college? Discuss the nature of Harold's work with the fledgling consulting firm? What skills does he develop? How does this occupation draw to a close?

Part 2) Discuss the impact working with the Historical Society has on Harold. What parts of his life does he leave behind in the process? What does he find especially fulfilling about this work?

Part 3) What ideas about politics does Harold bring to his think tank job? Discuss how Harold's previous life experience informs the policy papers he writes? What policy proposals does he produce at this think tank? How are they the culmination of his professional life?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout "The Social Animal", Harold and Erica need to face personal struggles in which they have to take stock of their lives. Write an essay about three major crises in which one of the protagonists must take personal stock:

Part 1) Discuss Erica's explosion during a high school tennis match. What does this episode reveal to Erica about herself? How does she feel in its aftermath? Explore the changes she needs to make in her life.

Part 2) How does alcohol play an increasing role in Harold's life as he approaches middle age? What connection does this have to his desire for a child? Discuss how he copes with this disappointment and the addiction it fuels?

Part 3) Discuss the aftermath of Erica's indiscretion with Mr. Make-Believe. What personal disappointments lead her to this act of adultery? How does she feel after it happens, and what changes does she make in her life?

(see the answer keys)

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