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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. What is the name of Kabul's ancient music ghetto that is silenced by the Taliban in Chapter 38?

2. What television channel are Tariq and Laila watching as New York's Twin Towers are hit on 9/11?

3. According to the laws enforced by the Taliban in Chapter 37, all boys in grades one through six are to wear what?

4. What does the name Aziza mean?

5. What weapon does Mariam use to kill Rasheed in Chapter 45?

Short Essay Questions

1. How are the conditions described when Laila gives birth in Chapter 39? Where does Laila give birth?

2. How have the political changes in Afghanistan influenced Rasheed's behavior in Chapter 38?

3. How are the themes of virtue and survivalism explored in Chapter 30?

4. How does Laila respond when she determines that she is pregnant in Chapter 38?

5. What leads to the development of friendship between Laila and Mariam in Chapter 33?

6. What major political events are detailed in Chapter 49? What are Laila's thoughts on these events?

7. How is Laila's and Tariq's journey described in Chapter 50? Where do they visit on their way to Kabul?

8. How have the politics of Afghanistan changed in Chapter 37? What new regulations are announced?

9. In Chapter 49, Laila and Tariq have their first argument as a married couple. What do they argue about?

10. What are the consequences of Mariam's and Laila's capture in Chapter 36?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss marriage customs within Muslim society and girls’ education in Afghanistan in the 1960s and 1970s. Jalil has three wives in the novel. How common is it for Muslim men to have more than one wife? What customs surround marriage and courtship in Afghanistan, particularly in the 1960s?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the setting of Herat, Afghanistan in the 1960s. Who was the leader of the country at this time? What was the political atmosphere like? How many people lived in Herat? How was wealth distributed in the country and the city? Where does Mariam live with her mother at this time? What is their home like?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze and discuss the character of Rasheed in the narrative. How does Rasheed treat Mariam after their wedding? How does she adjust to her new circumstances? What “rules” and expectations does Rasheed set in place for his wife? How does Rasheed’s character evolve in the course of the story?

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