View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What language does Tariq say he learned to speak while he was in prison?

2. What is the name of Tariq's goat in Chapter 44?

3. What do Mariam and Laila bury in order to hide it from the Taliban in Chapter 40?

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

5. When is Chapter 51 set?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the greatest conflict that Laila faces in Chapter 31?

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

3. What decision has Laila reached in Chapter 49, and what has led her to this decision?

4. When does Chapter 41 take place? How is the atmosphere of Afghanistan described at this time?

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

6. What symbolism and metaphors are explored through the death of Rasheed in Chapter 45?

7. How would you describe the ending of the novel? Do you think the novel ends on a hopeful note? Why or why not?

8. How would you describe the sacrifice that Mariam makes in Chapter 46? What are the consequences of this sacrifice?

9. When does Chapter 42 take place? What are the circumstances like at this time for Laila and Mariam?

10. What leads to the capture or Mariam and Laila in Chapter 36?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the arrival of the Taliban in Kabul and the establishment of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and its laws. What requirements are men given in regard to their appearance? What requirements are given for women’s appearance under these laws? How were the daily lives of women in Kabul affected by these changes?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss the history, implementation, and tenets of Shari'a Law in Afghanistan. When in Afghanistan’s history was the wearing of burqas first enforced? What limitations do women face regarding travel under Shari’a Law? How does this enforcement play a role in the actions of Mariam and Laila in the story?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the theme of survivalism in the novel. What are some examples of ways in which characters in the story commit actions in order to survive? In what ways has Mariam learned to survive? How have Laila’s experiences differed from Mariam’s?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,018 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample