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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 name of Lydia's sister?

2. Where does Lydia hide her diary?

3. To which of the following does Mikey compare his childhood relationship to his mother?

4. Where did Kate's lover, Marguerite, used to live before returning to Kate's home?

5. Which type of school and church did Lydia attend as a child?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do Kate Jessup and Julian Solomon come to stay at the Ali household?

2. As an adult looking back, how does Mikey describe his relationship with his mother as a child?

3. What happened at a dinner party, which outraged Lydia so much that she never wanted Kate near Mikey again?

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

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

6. How does Mikey treat the small bird that flies in through his kitchen window?

7. How does Mikey feel about reading his mother's diary?

8. How does Lydia react to the news that Mikey has not come to visit with her at the hospital?

9. What two revelations does Lydia make when the letter arrives to her from Martha in Toronto.

10. When Silas returns from the hospital, where he attempted to pick up Lydia, what fears is he suddenly seized with?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At the end of the novel, both Lydia and Michael have left their hometown to relocate from their memories of Du Boise. Explain why each of these characters has chosen a life on the run, rather than a settled life. Then, explain what measures each character takes to ensure that Silas will never be able to find them.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

In their friendship, Vinu's story of abuse greatly affected Mikey's psyche. Describe the abuse that Vinu endured as a child, and explain why this story has such a profound effect on Mikey's character. Then, explain how Mikey uses Vinu's story as practice for changing his own personal legacy, and the legacy of his mother.

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