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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. The doctor would like to be present for the baby's __________________.

2. Bird gives up on the bus and get to Hamiko's room via ________________.

3. What is the baby's prognosis?

4. Bird and Himiko reminisce about ____________________________.

5. Why can the new baby not have surgery?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Delchef and how is he introduced into the story?

2. Describe the altercation Bird has with a student in his class after Bird vomits.

3. What advice does Bird's mother-in-law give him regarding visiting his wife?

4. What is Bird doing at the beginning of A PERSONAL MATTER? What is going on with Bird's wife and how does Bird think his life will soon change?

5. What does Bird notice about the women watching from the windows of the maternity hospital?

6. What is significant about Bird's hangover and vomiting in class?

7. What is the significance of the two men who come to Himiko's home?

8. How does the doctor exhibit insensitivity toward Bird about the baby on the way to the hospital?

9. How is sex and sexuality a means for Bird to avoid responsibility?

10. How does Bird learn that his child has a problem?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain what it means that Bird is a man who keeps running away. In what areas does Bird seemingly fail? How does Bird feel about these failures? What is the turning point where Bird refuses to run away any longer?

Essay Topic 2

The author uses more than one instance of irony in the book. Cite at least two other examples you can identify in the book and note why they are examples of irony.

Essay Topic 3

The author uses several instances of foreshadowing in the story. Explain what foreshadowing is and cite at least two examples making sure to explain what makes each an instance of foreshadowing.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,085 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample