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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 Michael's response when Noah asks him where he heard a conspiracy theory about the poster's subject?

2. The narrator states in Chapter 1: The Call that Noah will turn how old the following Monday?

3. As Noah observes Nice from his window seat on the plane, which character does he wish were there?

4. For how many years has Joan been deceased by the narrative present?

5. The narrator reveals in Chapter II: Twenty Questions that Joan died of what cause?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what way does Chapter I: The Call end on a hopeful note concerning Michael and Noah?

2. Which photograph within the biography puts off a distinct sense of danger and why?

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

4. How does Michael react when Noah asks him about the knife he brought to school one time?

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

6. Explain the origins of the friendship between Joan and Vivienne.

7. What does Rosa Figueroa name as the main danger if Noah were to refuse to house Michael?

8. How did Noah's wife Joan feel about traveling during her life?

9. For what reason does Rosa enter Noah's New York City apartment in Chapter II: Twenty Questions?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Read a lengthy interview with Donoghue. Write an essay explaining the connection between several of Donoghue’s answers and a major theme presented within the text of Akin.

Essay Topic 2

What ultimate message is Donoghue sending about the nature and value of compassion?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the ways in which the themes of adaptability and resignation appear within Donoghue’s novel Akin. What message is Donoghue sending about these two themes over the course of the narrative?

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