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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. The narrator reveals in Chapter II: Twenty Questions that Joan died of what cause?

2. What image is on the front of the journal Noah buys for Michael at the airport bookstore?

3. Noah tells Michael in Chapter II: Twenty Questions that Pere Sonne's real name was what?

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

5. What weapon does Noah bring up when he asks Michael if he has anything sharp on his person at the airport?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what way was Noah's mother Margot involved in her father Pere Sonne's photography career?

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

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

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

5. Discuss two instances that stump Noah in terms of handling Michael.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Examine the roles of Victor, Amber, and Michael within the text of Akin. How does Donoghue use each character’s depiction in order to highlight themes depicted within the overall narrative?

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

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