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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. By not shooting the dead man, what are the terrorists showing?

2. What does Gen begin to record about all the hostages?

3. What is Carmen teaching herself?

4. What kind of love is everyone experiencing toward Roxane?

5. What does Roxane start to appreciate about Mr. Hosokawa?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is happening to the health of the accompanist?

2. Why do the terrorists choose to keep Roxane at the house?

3. How do the hostages and terrorists find a way to communicate with one another?

4. When the terrorists choose not to shoot a dead body, what are they proving about themselves?

5. When the terrorists learn that the President is not at the birthday party, what happens?

6. How have Ruben and Roxane adjusted into their roles in the house?

7. Although the terrorists seem to have all the control in the situation, what do the hostages offer?

8. Why does Mr. Hosokawa feel like the hostage situation is his fault?

9. How does Gen make himself important during this scary time?

10. How does Joachim Messner feel about being at Ruben's house?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel Gen and Hosowaka switch places.

- Are they excited about this development?

- How does each man accept his new position in the hostage siege?

- How have they switched places? Is it in an emotional, physical, or business switch?

Essay Topic 2

The theme of love and lust run deep through the pages of Bel Canto.

- How do the characters change because they are affected by love?

- How does love change people and shape their lives?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the entire novel Gen is extremely kind to Beatriz. He notices that she is also a girl from the jungle who wants to learn more.

- How does Gen's kindness end up saving Carmen?

- How does Beatriz's counseling with Father allow her the ability to be kind and forgive others?

(see the answer keys)

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