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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. Where did Du Boise work before entering the army?

2. What happens to Ali Ali's sister after she gives birth to her daughter?

3. Who are Haroon and Sadrodien?

4. At whose home will Silas's birthday party be held?

5. How does Lydia react to Silas's plea that she return home?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Michael come into possession of the gun he will use to kill Vinu's father?

2. Why is Lydia called in for a meeting at Mikey's school with Dr. Johnson?

3. What happened when Michael witnessed a convoy of cars outside his father's birthday party?

4. What information does Michael have, and think about, before he shoots Du Boise?

5. Who is Joao?

6. How does Lydia's life change after she returns from the hospital?

7. How does Silas feel when he knows that Lydia has left him for good this time?

8. How did Ouma Angel die?

9. How did Ali Ali end up living in South Africa?

10. What happens between Lydia and Mikey when Silas leaves the house after a fight with his wife?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Although Mireille is a minor character in this novel, she proves to be a symbol for many of the underlying themes. Briefly explain what happens to Mireille as a child, and why her story is symbolic of the family problems in the Ali family, and the disintegration the family is slowly enduring.

Essay Topic 2

Silas's fiftieth birthday party proves to be the moment when the entire Ali family realizes that their bonds have completely disintegrated. Explain the events of the night of Silas's birthday party, and the reactions that each family member, Silas, Lydia, and Mikey, has to each of these events, and how they know their family never will be the same again.

Essay Topic 3

Even though he is dead at the time the novel is set, Ali Ali plays a large role in shaping the man Mikey becomes when he transforms into Michael. Explain Ali Ali's life story, and then explain why the knowledge of his family history has such a large effect of Mikey.

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