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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. Bird confesses that he views the vagina and womb as __________________.

2. What does the doctor tell Bird about the baby?

3. What is the nature of the phone call that Bird answers?

4. Why is the name in #113 significant for Bird?

5. What does Himiko want to do after the baby dies?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the motif of fear in the book and how Bird transcends it after talking with Kikuhiko.

2. What word does Delchef write in the dictionary for Bird and what is its significance?

3. Why is Bird conflicted when Himiko's father-in-law says she and Bird should go to Africa?

4. What temporarily squelches Bird's desire for sex with Himiko?

5. In what way has Bird essentially changed universes in his life?

6. How have Himiko's feelings about Bird evolved over the last few days?

7. What does Bird name the baby and how does Himiko know the name?

8. What does Bird feel after his sexual encounter with Himiko?

9. What is the significance of the mention of the maps of Africa?

10. What is the significance of Bird scratching behind his ear after his tiny son does the same thing?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Project into the future ten years after the end of the novel and write a brief synopsis for Bird's life. What is his relationship with his son? What is his relationship with his wife? Have his dreams of going to Africa been completely squelched? What is Bird's state of mind? How does Bird feel about himself now?

Essay Topic 2

Coming of age is an important theme in A PERSONAL MATTER. Can you cite an example to support this theme? Name two other themes and cite examples to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the internal conflict Bird feels about his life. Does he not want to be married? Does he not want a child? Does he really just want to run away to Africa and forget his responsibilities? Why did Bird engage in a relationship with his wife if he was not ready?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,232 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample