View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Now that she has started working a new job, what does Lydia speak of wanting to purchase?

2. Why doesn't Lydia turn back to help Silas search for Mikey?

3. Where did Michael decide to point the gun when he shot Vinu's father?

4. What look does Du Boise have on his face at the moment Michael shoots him?

5. Where does Lydia decide to relocate to after leaving Silas?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Ouma Angel die?

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

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

4. Who is Joao?

5. How does Alec behave when he and Silas go out for dinner before Mam Agnes's anniversary party?

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

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

8. How does Lydia react to the news that Du Boise is dead?

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

10. How does Silas react to Vinu being at Mam Agnes' anniversary party?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

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

Mikey is arguably the character that undergoes the greatest transformation in this novel. Describe Mikey's character at the beginning of the novel and compare/contrast that to his character at the end of the novel. What are the most important transformations Mikey undergoes both physically and emotionally in the text?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 910 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample