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