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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. After the birthday party, where does Michael sleep?

2. What special description is given about Vinu's father at the moment of his death?

3. What milestone birthday will Silas be celebrating in the year that the novel is set?

4. What does Silas drink until he is drunk at Mam Agnes and Jackson's anniversary party?

5. What celebrity did Michael see when he witnessed the convoy of cars outside the birthday party?

Short Essay Questions

1. What announcement does Julian make while out for lunch at "The Crucible" with his friends.

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

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

4. Why does Vinu emerge from the bushes, screaming and striking at Silas, and what is his reaction to the outburst?

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

6. How does Silas react to Lydia's birthday gift to him?

7. Who is Joao?

8. While planning Silas's birthday party, what worries overcome Kate's thoughts at the dinner table?

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

10. How does Mikey change in the month after his mother returns from the hospital?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

The character of Vinu provides an interesting foil for the drama that Michael is enduring. Briefly describe Vinu's character and explain why Michael is so interested in her story of abuse. Then, explain how Michael exploits Vinu's personal history to promote his own agenda in the political world.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 908 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample