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

2. The novel entitled Akin includes an epigraph consisting of how many definitions of the word 'akin'?

3. What was Noah's mother's name?

4. What was Fernande's husband's name?

5. At what location does Noah meet Michael for the first time?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Donoghue's decision to include humor within the novel entitled Akin. What purpose did Donoghue have in mind when including these instances of humor and how does the inclusion of these instances support the overarching themes and messages of the text?

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

Discuss Donoghue's purpose for juxtaposing at least two different locations in a particular way within the text of Akin.

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