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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. Why does Heinrich interrupt Jack and the girls?

2. What is the name of the town where this novel is set?

3. What is the structure Murray and Jack visit, which is claimed to be the "most photographed" such structure?

4. What is the name of the "barbarian" who died young, whom Jack thinks about in terms of his own death.

5. Which of the children confronts Babette directly about the medication?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Babette want to see "station-wagon" day?

2. Describe Jack's German teacher. What does he look like?

3. What is so shocking about Jack's trouble with German?

4. What is the mood of the family when they are shopping at the mall?

5. Why does the chancellor suggest that Jack should change his persona, and what does he suggest?

6. Why is the chair of the department of American environments (the pop-culture department) opposed to Murray's establishment of Elvis studies?

7. Describe how Murray interacts with Jack and Babette at the supermarket.

8. Who makes up the group of teachers in the pop culture department?

9. Why does Murray come over to watch television with the kids?

10. According to Jack, why does Bee make the family feel self-conscious?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Decide whether or not you think this book is funny. If so, write a position paper that explains the humor and why you find it funny/why DeLillo hopes the reader finds it funny. If you do not think it is funny, write a position paper that articulates your opinion of the jokes/humor/irony at work here and why you think it was not effective. Be sure to offer specific examples from the text.

Essay Topic 2

These characters are preoccupied, and maybe even obsessed, with their own deaths. Compare and contrast Jack's obsession with his mortality and Babette's obsession with hers. Write an essay that details the ways their fear of death are similar and how they are different. Be sure to describe specific instances in the novel and how the reader comes to understand each.

Essay Topic 3

Murray is a secondary character who is nonetheless crucial to Jack's characterization and to the book's humor. Write an analytical essay that 1) offers a brief character sketch of Murray and 2) an analysis of the specific fictional techniques (setting/tone/mood, plot event/action, dialogue/interaction) that DeLillo employs to characterize Murray. Why is he important to this text?

(see the answer keys)

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