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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 subject of the poster about which Michael comments in Chapter III: Takeoff Speed?

2. What town does Noah tell Michael has been "tossed back and forth between France and Italy for centuries" (71)?

3. How many photographs are contained within the mailer Noah finds in Chapter 1: The Call?

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

5. When Rosa calls to talk to Michael in Chapter III: Takeoff Speed, it is revealed that Rosa is the social worker for how many children?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. To what phone call does the title of Chapter I: The Call refer?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In what way does Donoghue utilize irony within the text? Discuss at least three uses of irony within Akin and explore each instance's connection to larger themes contained within the piece.

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

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