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

3. How did Silas's father die?

4. While pregnant, what decision does Lydia decide to make after the baby is born?

5. How would Mikey describe the relationship between his parents?

Short Essay Questions

1. What family arrives at Lydia's hospital bedside, and how do they get there?

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

3. How does the Ali family react to Silas's seizure?

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

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

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

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

8. What is Mikey's reaction to reading that he is the product of a rape in his mother's diary?

9. How does Silas react to seeing Lydia's injuries after she steps on the broken glass?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel, Lydia deals with the history of her attack in many self-harming ways. Briefly describe two scenes in which Lydia deals with her pain by harming herself. Then, explain how Lydia begins to overcome her demons and take back the control in her life. In your opinion, what event is the turning point in Lydia's life? Why?

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

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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