The Adventures of Augie | March by Saul Bellow | Study Guide | Printable Worksheets PDF

The Adventures of Augie March by Saul Bellow

Plot Overview:

The novel is a bildungsroman (coming-of-age story) that follows the life of Augie March, a young man growing up in Chicago during the early 20th century. Augie, born into a poor Jewish family, has a restless and adventurous spirit. He encounters a wide range of colorful characters as he navigates life, including criminals, social climbers, intellectuals, and laborers, all of whom influence his understanding of the world.

The story is episodic, capturing different phases of Augie's life, as he searches for meaning and identity. He drifts through various jobs, including working for a labor activist, a wealthy socialite, and even training an eagle in Mexico. Augie’s life is characterized by his refusal to settle into a fixed role or adopt a conventional path, choosing instead to experience life with a sense of freedom and curiosity.

Key Themes:

• Individualism and Identity: Augie’s journey is one of self-discovery. Throughout the novel, he grapples with questions about who he is, and he often resists attempts by others to define or shape him.
• American Dream: Augie’s adventures are emblematic of the search for success and fulfillment, a central element of the American Dream. However, Bellow complicates this ideal by depicting Augie’s desire for freedom and autonomy over material success.
• Fate vs. Free Will: Augie frequently confronts the tension between destiny and choice. While many characters in the novel attempt to impose their expectations on him, Augie strives to make his own decisions and shape his life.
• Morality and Society: The novel explores social and moral questions, particularly regarding wealth, class, and the role of the individual in society.

Style:

Saul Bellow's writing in The Adventures of Augie March is known for its exuberant, flowing prose. The narrative voice is energetic and reflects Augie's uncontainable personality. Bellow's language is often dense, filled with philosophical reflections, witty observations, and vivid descriptions.

One of the novel’s most famous lines is its opening sentence:

“I am an American, Chicago born — Chicago, that somber city — and go at things as I have taught myself, free-style, and will make the record in my own way: first to knock, first admitted; sometimes an innocent knock, sometimes a not so innocent.”

This declaration sets the tone for the novel's exploration of individuality and self-assertion.

Significance:

The Adventures of Augie March won the 1954 National Book Award for Fiction and solidified Bellow's place as a leading American novelist. The book’s blend of philosophical depth and narrative freedom makes it a landmark in postwar American fiction, representing both the personal quest for identity and a larger reflection on American society.

   Quiz - Test Yourself

1. What city does Augie March grow up in?

Correct Answer: D. Chicago

2. How does Augie describe the influences in his life?

Correct Answer: A. Macchiavellian

3. How does Augie describe his mother?

Correct Answer: D. "simple-minded"

4. Why does Anna Coblin yell at Augie?

Correct Answer: D. Because he blows on her son Howard's saxophone

5. What does Grandma Lausch claim is better than love?

Correct Answer: C. Respect

6. What physical change indicates Simon's transformation when he returns from his summer job?

Correct Answer: B. A broken front tooth

7. How does Georgie show Grandma Lausch his love for her?

Correct Answer: C. He hugs her legs

8. Why is Jimmy Klein beaten up by his father?

Correct Answer: A. Because he and Augie stole money from their employers

study worksheet

 

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The questions encompass the entire novel, covering it from beginning to end.

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• These questions focus on the analysis of character interactions, emotional responses, and decision-making processes in the novel. 
• Character Reactions:
• Relationships & Perspectives:
• Emotional Responses:
• Critical Choices:

This resource or test for students includes various question types designed to assess their understanding of the story and its deeper meaning. The components of the test are as follows:

• 25 Multiple-Choice Questions: These questions evaluate the student's comprehension of key events, characters, and themes from the story.

• Answer Key: A complete set of correct answers for the multiple-choice questions is provided for grading and reference.

• (+ 40 ) Short-Answer Questions: These require students to write responses, allowing them to demonstrate their ability to analyze and interpret the story's details, character development, and plot.

• 3 Critical Thinking Questions: These encourage deeper reflection and analysis, pushing students to engage with the text on a more complex level, exploring themes, symbolism, and underlying messages.

• Crossword Puzzle: This activity relates to the characters and events in the story, reinforcing key elements through an interactive and engaging format.

This comprehensive assessment tool tests students' understanding of both the surface-level and more nuanced aspects of the story.

 

A unique and rich activity prepared for the teacher.

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