Bad News by Edward St Aubyn
- 1. Bad News by Edward St Aubyn is the second novel in the acclaimed 'Patrick Melrose' series, a deeply introspective and darkly comic exploration of privilege, trauma, and the corrosive effects of addiction. Following the protagonist, Patrick Melrose, as he navigates the world of the wealthy during the 1980s, the story delves into his struggles with his family's legacy, particularly the emotional and physical abuse inflicted by his father. The narrative captures Patrick's chaotic lifestyle, replete with extravagant drug use and high-society luncheons that spiral into moments of desperation. St Aubyn's sharp, incisive prose vividly portrays the duality of Patrick's existence, oscillating between the superficial glamour of his surroundings and the profound existential despair he experiences. As Patrick contends with the aftermath of his father's death and the ghosts of his childhood, the novel reveals the complex interplay between love, hatred, and the quest for redemption within the confines of an opulent yet suffocating environment. Through his unflinching gaze and dark humor, St Aubyn intricately weaves a narrative that challenges readers to reflect on the scars left by familial ties and the elusive nature of healing.
What is the main character Patrick Melrose's family background?
A) Wealthy and dysfunctional
B) Middle-class and supportive
C) Noble and traditional
D) Working-class and happy
- 2. What substance abuse issue does Patrick struggle with?
A) Cocaine addiction
B) Heroin addiction
C) Prescribed medication abuse
D) Alcoholism
- 3. Who is Patrick's father?
A) Robert Melrose
B) David Melrose
C) Henry Melrose
D) Charles Melrose
- 4. What tragic event prompts Patrick to reflect on his childhood?
A) His brother's illness
B) His own overdose
C) His father's death
D) His mother's remarriage
- 5. What is the setting of much of 'Bad News'?
A) New York City
B) Los Angeles
C) London
D) Paris
- 6. How does Patrick cope with his memories?
A) By talking to friends
B) By writing a book
C) Through therapy
D) Through substance abuse
- 7. What effect does Patrick's addiction have on his life?
A) Transformative
B) Destructive
C) Beneficial
D) Neutral
- 8. How does Patrick feel about his family's wealth?
A) Ambivalent
B) Indifferent
C) Proud
D) Joyful
- 9. What is the tone of the novel?
A) Darkly comic
B) Romantic
C) Solemn
D) Optimistic
- 10. What aspect of identity is explored in 'Bad News'?
A) Gender
B) Race
C) Age
D) Class
- 11. What event does Patrick attend at the beginning of the novel?
A) A business meeting
B) A funeral
C) A wedding
D) A birthday party
- 12. What ultimately is the message of 'Bad News'?
A) The complexities of trauma and addiction
B) The joy of self-discovery
C) The value of wealth
D) The importance of family
- 13. What does Patrick often desire from his mother?
A) Independence
B) Wealth
C) Acceptance
D) Knowledge
- 14. How does Patrick view his father?
A) As a source of terror and abuse
B) As a role model
C) As a caring figure
D) As a distant acquaintance
- 15. Which literary technique is prominent in 'Bad News'?
A) Epistolary style
B) First-person perspective
C) Stream of consciousness
D) Linear narrative
- 16. How is humor used in the novel?
A) To lighten the story
B) To showcase wit among friends
C) To critique society
D) As a coping mechanism for trauma
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