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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. Why does the king of Sakiel-Norn decide he wants to kill his mistress?

2. In chapter 5, why does Laura think Iris is dying?

3. What does Iris see hanging from the tree outside her former home?

4. What is the name of the restaurant where Richard proposes to Iris?

5. Which character is reputed to have authored 'The Blind Assassin'?

Short Essay Questions

1. According to chapter 6, does the man enjoy writing science fiction stories?

2. How did the Snilfards prevent the sacrifice of their daughters?

3. In chapter 4, what is Richard Griffen's stance on creating jobs throughout government stimulus plans implemented in America by Franklin D. Roosevelt?

4. According to the news article in chapter 4, how does Norval Chase respond to the economic depression?

5. How does Iris feel about the Laura Chase Memorial Prize?

6. How does Iris respond to requests for information about Laura?

7. Why is it awkward between Liliana and Norval Chase when he returns from the war?

8. How is chapter 2 structured?

9. In chapter 5, how do the two sisters feel toward their governess, Miss Violence?

10. In chapter 1, Iris says "some people can't tell where it hurts. They can't calm down. They can't ever stop howling." Who do you think is/are the "they" she had in mind?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel, Iris toys with the idea that people are compelled to leave their mark on the world, whether this is through actions, or leaving behind a message, or simply scrawling on the stall of the bathroom at a doughnut shop. Find at least three examples of times in which Iris reflects on the idea of leaving a mark. What is the significance of these passages in terms of the novel and sub novel? What do these say about Iris's own desire to leave something behind? What does Iris's refusal to share things about Laura say? Does this mean Iris thinks Laura would not have wanted to leave her mark in the same way she asserts all people do?

Essay Topic 2

Many of the characters struggle with their identities. Until Laura dies, Iris lets her father and then Richard control her rather than making her own decisions. Laura is much more free-spirited but even she lets Richard and what she believes to be God's will control her. Although Richard and Winifred seem to be in control, they are really controlled by societal expectations. How are the identities of the characters created in the novel? To what extent do the characters define their own identities and to what extent are their identities controlled by the expectations placed on them by the people around them? Which character do you think has the strongest sense of identity and why? Be sure that your response includes at least three characters.

Essay Topic 3

Iris often reflects on the idea of heaven and hell. At the end of the novel, Iris comes to a conclusion about heaven and hell very similar to the conclusion drawn by the men in the story of the Peach Women of Aa'A. What is this conclusion? Using this conclusion, look at the settings in the story and determine whether these locations are representative of heaven or hell. Also, be sure to examine the significance of gardens and fire in terms of heaven and hell, as well as the implications of literary allusions, such as the importance of the literary roots of Xanadu and Avilion and Iris's name in the context of the passage from the Aeneid Laura leavers for her sister? Be sure to consider ways in which places that appear to be heaven can actually be hell and vice versa.

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