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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 last name of the social worker named Rosa who calls Noah on the phone in Chapter I: The Call?

2. To what area of New York City does Noah take Michael to when he first brings him home?

3. To how many years of prison was Amber sentenced when she took a plea?

4. What name does Michael call Noah at the pizza parlor when Noah will not buy him a Coke?

5. Noah's mother died in July of which year, the month before the date written on the mailer Noah finds?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What is the symbolism of the 9/11 poster featured in Chapter III: Takeoff Speed?

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

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

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

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 is revealed to have been the cause of Joan's death in Chapter II: Twenty Questions?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss how and why Donoghue instills three different humanist messages into the narrative of Akin.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay that discusses the symbolism of the cover art chosen for Akin.

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

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