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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. As a child, what did Mikey want to be when he grew up?

2. Why did Lydia not attend University?

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

4. Which of the following adjectives does Silas use to describe his son's behavior?

5. Who are Kate Jessup and Julian Solomon?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. Why can't Gracie sleep at night?

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

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

8. How did Lydia find out about Silas's affair?

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

10. Why is Lydia frustrated with Mikey when she returns from the hospital, and what is his reaction to her frustration?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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 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.

(see the answer keys)

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