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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. What is V's fear about the ballerina?

2. What does Rachel say that Profane is too wrapped up in that will prevent him from truly loving a woman?

3. Who is talking to Rachel in a bar and confesses feelings for Paola in Chapter 10?

4. When the police arrive at Winsome's apartment, who do they arrest?

5. When Mondaugen feels sick, what does Gondolphin think he has?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Benny show signs of regression in Chapter 13?

2. How is Benny Profane's "yo-yo" behavior different from that of the Whole Sick Crew?

3. When Benny is propositioned by Mafia, what does he do and what does it reveal about him?

4. How does fate appear to intervene in the life of Benny Profane in Chapter 8?

5. Why is Rachel worried about Esther?

6. What is the big change Benny Profane makes in Chapter 13 regarding Rachel Owlglass?

7. What does Kurt Mondaugen witness in 1922 while in Africa?

8. What happens to V. in Paris?

9. What is V.'s point of view regarding the siege in Africa in 1922?

10. When Fausto changes his personality, what is the role that he assumes?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the significance of the novel's title. Why do you think the author named the book V.? Now that you have read the book, how does that alter your understanding of the title? Are you intrigued to find a sequel? Why or why not? Cite examples to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the concept of loneliness as it exhibits in the story. Which of the characters are lonely? Are they all lonely in some way? Explain the loneliness and the methods and attempts to overcome it.

Essay Topic 3

V. is an enigmatic and famous character in this book. Explain the history of V. as you know it. When did the character first appear in the book? What culture seemingly created V.? How has the character changed throughout history? Why do you think Pynchon chose V. as a main character?

(see the answer keys)

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