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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. At Mam Agnes's house, who comes out to the car to have a drink with Silas?

2. What food does Mikey order in to share with Julian and Kate?

3. Which of Kafka's books is Mikey currently reading?

4. Who carries Lydia inside after the glass is broken?

5. Which part of his mother did Mikey find most attractive when he was a child?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Silas phone Alec, and what is he suddenly suspicious of him?

2. How does Kate react to Mikey while she is staying with him?

3. Why does Silas follow Du Boise to the cafe?

4. Why does Mikey travel to Shirley Graham's home and what is her reaction to hosting him?

5. What does Kate think about when she pulls away from Mikey's house, after he asks her to gather papers on Du Boise?

6. How does Mikey react to having to go to the hospital to visit with his mother?

7. Why does Alec become so outraged that he must leave his bedroom and make himself a cup of tea?

8. Why does Kate begin to grow suspicious of her secret meetings with Mikey?

9. How does Silas react to the news that Du Boise is back in town?

10. What is "Playing Gandhi"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel, Silas struggles to reconnect to his wife, Lydia, but finds himself unable, or unwilling, to reach her. Give two examples of times in the novel when Silas tries to reach out to his wife but fails. Then, briefly explain why each of his attempts fails. What hidden demons continue to haunt Silas in his marriage?

Essay Topic 2

Perhaps Silas's biggest character flaw lies in his complete passivity in regard to his family. Give three clear examples of times when Silas acts passively when the circumstances ask more of him. What effect does Silas's passivity have on his family life? Finally, explain whether or not you believe Silas overcomes his passivity by the end of the novel, and why.

Essay Topic 3

Although Du Boise is not present in most of the text, his character proves to be one of the most influential characters in the novel. Briefly describe Du Boise as he is presented in the text, and explain how one action in his life has so deeply affected all the members of the Ali family.

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