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