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

Short Answer Questions

1. According to a nun at the clinic, who has been asking about Amabelle?

2. What do the travelers smell burning when they awake?

3. What are the people of Dajabon celebrating?

4. What sight in the deserted village does Yves conceal from the others?

5. Who does Papi go to visit when he takes a walk to escape Senor Pico?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Farming of Bones looks at the relationship between the personal (i.e., love, friendships, family) and the political (i.e., government, military, nationalism). Discuss what the novel says about:

1) The relationship between the two. Are they always the same or different? Why?

2) What influences the personal? What else influences the political?

3) What impact do the two have on each other? Is it positive or negative? Why? Can the two co-exist happily? Why or why not?

Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Then comment on the novel's view points. Do you agree or disagree with what the novel says about the relationship between the personal and the political? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

One of the themes The Farming of Bones explores is the impact of nationalism. Discuss what the novel has to say about this theme. Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

Memories are central to the story lines in Middlesex. Discuss how the author uses recollections of the past in the novel. What is the impact of these memories on the story? What is the author trying to say about our beliefs about memories? Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 317 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample