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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. Where does Bogus see Merrill in Chapter 22?

2. Who helped Bogus to leave town for Europe?

3. How is the sting blown?

4. What does Ralph send Bogus after surgery?

5. What were Bogus and Biggie's sleeping arrangements in Bogus's flashback?

Short Essay Questions

1. What change does having Colm around spur in Tulpen?

2. In what way is Bogus envious of Couth?

3. What did Bogus's return package to his father symbolize?

4. What does Bogus believe is causing Colm's night terrors?

5. How is Sprog symbolic of Bogus?

6. What might the statue foreshadow for the reader?

7. What makes the limo driver nervous on the way to Maine?

8. When Bogus returns to Tulpen, what changes are noticeable in their relationship?

9. How does the phrase, "There was, of course, no logic to the dwarf's fear of Harold's rather large cat" relate to the movie about Bogus's life?

10. Why is the line from the diary familiar and important?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In what ways does Ralph Parker's film title take on a double meaning? How could this title, and the film itself, be a commentary on the society at large? Has the situation improved or declined since the book's publication? Support your opinion with the text.

Essay Topic 2

John Irving's writing style in this novel is choppy, bouncing between time periods and points of view. There are also a myriad of writing modes involved. How are each of these elements key to the story that unfolds, as far as the plot and narrative being told?

Essay Topic 3

Merrill Overturf dies in the Danube looking for the tank he often mentioned to Bogus. He was hoping to impress a girl with his discovery. What symbolism does this death have in relation to the way Merrill led his life?

(see the answer keys)

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