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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. Who tells V. about Vheissu?

2. What is Vheissu?

3. Who did Stencil meet that talked to him about the sewers and the rat Veronica?

4. Who calls Benny's name on the loudspeaker at the bus station?

5. What is the name of the owner of the bar in Norfolk, Virginia?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the Sailor's Grave.

2. What happens to the Birth of Venus painting in Chapter 7?

3. How does Dr. Schoenmaker view Esther in Chapter 4?

4. Describe Rachel Owlglass.

5. What does Hugo Bongo-Shaftsbury talk to Mildred about on the train in Egypt?

6. Why does Esther fall in love with her plastic surgeon?

7. What is the plan concocted by the two men outside the wine shop and what does Gaucho propose?

8. Why does Profane leave his friends?

9. Who are the two Englishmen at the cafe in Egypt that a waiter overhears talking about Victoria Wren?

10. Describe Benny Profane in Chapter 1.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Select three characters from any of the stories other than V. and project into the future ten years and write a brief synopsis for their lives. Be sure to include emotional states as well as physical characteristics, geographic locations, work, hobbies, socialization, etc.

Essay Topic 2

Both Benny and Stencil are two of the most active characters.

Part 1) What is their relationship? How do they co-exist and how do they interact? What is similar about them and what is different?

Part 2) What are some events that Stencil had a direct influence upon? What are some events that Benny had a direct influence upon?

Part 3) Which character offers support to the Whole Sick Crew? Which one is stronger and why?

Essay Topic 3

Pynchon is known for paying homage to various authors and works of literature. Choose at least four references used in the book. Write at least 250 words on each reference. Also add your opinion as to why Pynchon chose that particular author or reference.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 731 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample