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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 nickname has Vinu given to Michael?

2. What is Mikey busy with when his mother is healing in their homes?

3. Which of the following characters does NOT give a speech about Silas at his birthday party?

4. How does Silas feel when he realizes that his wife has left him for another man?

5. How does Lydia react to the new bedroom Silas and Mikey have redecorated for her?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Michael bribe the Imam to help him in his murderous plans?

2. What practice does Michael do before he attempts to kill Vinu's father?

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

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

5. How does Silas react to having Lydia back in their home to recover?

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

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

8. What story of abuse does Vinu tell Michael when she meets him at his home?

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

10. What happens when Michael finally comes face-to-face with Du Boise in the shopping mall?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The novel "Bitter Fruit" is set in post-apartheid South Africa. Even though the apartheid is no longer happening, the residual effects of this ethnic segregation are still very present in the lives of the Ali family. Briefly explain how the apartheid affected the Ali family directly, and give two examples of the residual effects of segregation that continue to affect all the black Africans living in South Africa.

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

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?

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