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

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

3. The epigraph of the novel classifies the novel's title as which part of speech?

4. What type of family heirlooms did Victor steal during Joan's funeral?

5. In what room in the house does Noah keep the last few boxes of his late sister's belongings?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Discuss the possible significance of the novel's epigraph and name two themes that appear within its content.

3. Describe the photographs that are included alongside the novel's epigraph.

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

5. What is the significance of the book entitled Pere Sonne: A Life's Work featured in Chapter III: Takeoff Speed?

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

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

8. What does the landline phone symbolize within Chapter I: The Call?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Donoghue's message about the benefits and drawbacks of travel.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

What is the purpose of the four photographs Donoghue includes within Akin and what is their connection to one of the novel's main themes?

(see the answer keys)

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