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. For what is Franz assigned on the plantation where he lives?

2. What did Gunnar learn in Santa Monica that seems to anger kids where he now lives?

3. Why do two police officers come to Gunnar's house a couple of weeks after they move there?

4. What does Gunnar say the majority of the playground jokes concern?

5. Where does Wolfgang have a job?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the Gun Totin' Hooligans decide to avenge Pumpkin and why is Gunnar involved? How does their plan work out?

2. What happens when Gunnar is pushing his sister Nicole on the swing?

3. Why is Psycho Loco upset when he comes to Gunnar's house in Chapter Five?

4. What does Gunnar's elementary school emphasize?

5. Who visits Gunnar in his new home shortly after he moves and what do they want?

6. What is one of Gunnar's favorite past times from a young age and what is he known for among his friends?

7. What does Gunnar's mother tell her children about their ancestor Euripides?

8. Who is Eileen Litmus, for what is she known at school and how does she affect Gunnar's life at school?

9. What does Gunnar recall about living in Santa Monica in Chapter 2 and why does he join the Cub Scouts? How does the Scouts work out for him?

10. With whom does Gunnar make friends during his first semester at his new school and what does he choose in his second semester schedule?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Gunnar from the beginning of the book to who he is at the end of the book. How are they similar? How are they different? Which person do you like more? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Nick and Psycho Loco. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in The White Boy Shuffle who help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

Essay Topic 2

There are a number of interesting questions raised by The White Boy Shuffle. Questions that Beatty most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Beatty's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Beatty's probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Paul Beatty and see if/where his life may have influenced his writing.

Essay Topic 3

Setting as far as place and time play an important role in The White Boy Shuffle. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast several aspects of the setting of that time, 1992 from how it would be today. Consider things such as cultural norms/expectations, technology, religion and medicine.

2. Do you think The White Boy Shuffle would be different if it were set in Europe? Consider the cultural differences as you discuss the way the story would change is set in the Europe.

3. Discuss some of the differences between the Los Angeles and Boston, as far as the relationship between blacks and whites. What are some similarities?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,260 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample