Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe
  • 1. Bonfire of the Vanities, written by Tom Wolfe and published in 1987, is a complex and satirical novel that explores the social and racial tensions of 1980s New York City through the life of Sherman McCoy, a wealthy bond trader who considers himself a 'Master of the Universe.' The narrative begins to unravel when Sherman becomes embroiled in a hit-and-run accident involving a young Black man in the Bronx, an incident that ignites a media frenzy and exposes the deep-seated prejudices and contradictions in society. Wolfe masterfully critiques the excesses of Wall Street, the moral ambiguities of the legal system, and the profound divides based on race, class, and power. With its vibrant prose, richly drawn characters, and meticulous attention to detail, Bonfire of the Vanities serves as both a gripping narrative and a cautionary tale about ambition, greed, and the fragility of the American Dream, revealing the dark underbelly of a city that prides itself on being a beacon of opportunity and success.

    Who is the main protagonist of 'Bonfire of the Vanities'?
A) The Reverend Bacon
B) Sherman McCoy
C) Peter Fallow
D) Maria Ruskin
  • 2. Where does the story mainly take place?
A) New York City
B) Los Angeles
C) Chicago
D) Miami
  • 3. What is the name of the journalist who covers the case?
A) Sherman McCoy
B) Walter Welles
C) Tom Wolfe
D) Peter Fallow
  • 4. What does Sherman call himself?
A) The Master of the Universe
B) The King of Wall Street
C) The Top Trader
D) The Hero of the City
  • 5. Which character is a prominent black civil rights activist?
A) The Judge
B) The Reverend Bacon
C) Peter Fallow
D) Sherman McCoy
  • 6. What does the term 'bonfire of the vanities' refer to?
A) A party in Manhattan
B) A fire in the Bronx
C) The destruction of pride and excess
D) A protest against wealth
  • 7. What does the character of Judith represent?
A) A supportive partner
B) The ideal wife
C) A political figure
D) The pressures of social status
  • 8. What is the main conflict in the book?
A) A love triangle
B) A war between classes
C) A financial crisis
D) Struggle for justice and truth
  • 9. Who is Maria Ruskin?
A) His sister
B) His mother
C) His coworker
D) Sherman's mistress
  • 10. Which group in the novel represents the African American community?
A) Upper East Side socialites
B) The Bronx residents
C) Real estate developers
D) Wall Street brokers
  • 11. What kind of accident does Sherman McCoy get involved in?
A) A pedestrian accident
B) A traffic violation
C) A hit-and-run
D) A car crash with injuries
  • 12. What is the name of the neighborhood where Sherman is involved in the accident?
A) Queens
B) Brooklyn
C) The Bronx
D) Harlem
  • 13. What literary style is 'Bonfire of the Vanities' known for?
A) Gothic fiction
B) Romanticism
C) Social commentary and satire
D) Magical realism
  • 14. Who is the main antagonist in the story?
A) The media
B) Sherman's wife
C) The police
D) A rival bond trader
  • 15. What does the 'vanity' refer to in the title?
A) Physical beauty
B) The hubris of wealth and power
C) Intellectual achievements
D) Pleasure of life
  • 16. What is Sherman McCoy's profession?
A) Bond trader
B) Journalist
C) Lawyer
D) Politician
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