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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. The first line of Chapter 1: The Call evokes the image of what kind of man "packing his bags" (12)?
(a) Old.
(b) Tall.
(c) Sad.
(d) Excited.

2. The narrator states in Chapter 1: The Call that Noah will turn how old the following Monday?
(a) 40.
(b) 60.
(c) 70.
(d) 80.

3. What language(s) did Noah speak upon his arrival in the United States at age four?
(a) English.
(b) French and Spanish.
(c) French.
(d) French and English.

4. How many hours forward does Noah set his watch when he and Michael arrive in France?
(a) 6.
(b) 4.
(c) 8.
(d) 12.

5. The epigraph of the novel classifies the novel's title as which part of speech?
(a) Adjective.
(b) Preposition.
(c) Verb.
(d) Noun.

Short Answer Questions

1. What weapon does Noah bring up when he asks Michael if he has anything sharp on his person at the airport?

2. How many years had Noah and his father Marc been apart before Margot sent Noah to New York City to live with Marc?

3. Noah thinks about the fact that which group of people "used to distinguish between senectus (still lively) and decrepitus (done for)" (12)?

4. To what city in France is Noah getting ready to travel in order to celebrate his birthday?

5. Who else accompanies Michael and Noah as they enter Noah's apartment together for the first time?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what setting does Chapter III: Takeoff Speed begin and what is revealed about Michael in this setting?

2. What plan emerges that requires Michael to apply for an expedited passport?

3. To what location is Noah getting ready to travel in Chapter I: The Calling and for what purpose is he traveling there?

4. For what purpose does Donoghue use a beanbag as a metaphor for Noah's treatment by his parents during his childhood?

5. In what way was Noah's mother Margot involved in her father Pere Sonne's photography career?

6. For how many years has Noah been alone since losing his wife Joan and in what way does her presence still resonate with him?

7. To what phone call does the title of Chapter I: The Call refer?

8. In what way is the home visit scene in Chapter II: Twenty Questions an ironic one?

9. Discuss two instances that stump Noah in terms of handling Michael.

10. For what reason did Noah and Joan refrain from having children?

(see the answer keys)

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