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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does Ghosh decide to visit?

2. What does Matron hold as she sits with the family during the nights?

3. What news does Almaz give Ghosh?

4. What happens when Ghosh begins spending alone time with Marion in the hospital?

5. Why does Rosina run towards the palace?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Hema first rushes into the operating room?

2. What is Shiva like intellectually?

3. What does Hema realize about Mary, and what does Stone do when Mary dies?

4. What does Hema realize almost instantly in the operating room, and what does she shout at Stone? What is his response?

5. What incident shapes Shiva to become the doctor he becomes?

6. What does Hema do about Shiva not talking, what angers Marion and what does he yell at her?

7. How does Hema feel about the twins after she takes them in, and why does she call Ghosh for help?

8. What does Hema do with Mary, and what does she find out is the problem?

9. What is Ghosh doing while Hema is with Mary and Dr. Stone, and how does he find out about Mary's death?

10. How does Dr. Stone find out Mary is pregnant?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in "Cutting for Stone". Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Verghese chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Verghese chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Verghese's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliffhangers, deux ex machina, etc.), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Verghese use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme.)

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in "Cutting for Stone".

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of "Cutting for Stone". How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of "Cutting for Stone". How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 3

The meeting of Genet and Marion is complex and confusing. It is unclear whether or not Genet spitefully and knowingly infected Marion with the diseases that would threaten his life, or if it is an unexpected and unfortunate side effect of a lifelong obsession. Marion's time with Genet is also disturbing because he essentially rapes Genet in his bed, forcefully having sex with her, ripping through her circumcision scars. He doesn't seem to care that Genet is bleeding all over his bed, or that he is hurting her, because he is finally claiming what he believes is his. Despite his violent reintroduction to Genet, Marion cannot stop the fantasy of being with Genet forever.

1. Do you think, knowing Genet's character, it is likely she knowingly infected Marion? Why or why not? What do you think would be her motivation for consciously infecting him? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

2. Do you think Marion's treatment of Genet was rape? Why or why not? Would you consider it a criminal act, if not outright rape? Why or why not? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

3. Discuss the problem Marion has perceiving reality in relation to Genet when he still thinks about marrying her and being with her for the rest of his life. Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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