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

2. Noah talks to Michael about the photograph depicting Joan with which politician?

3. As Noah packs his belongings in Chapter 1: The Call, he is planning to leave for France in how many days?

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

5. How many hours forward does Noah set his watch when he and Michael arrive in France?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Why is Chapter II entitled Twenty Questions and what is the title's significance?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

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