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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 is the name of Silas's mother?

2. Why is Julian's home selected to host Silas's birthday party?

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

4. Whom does Michael bribe to help him escape South Africa?

5. How does Kate package the papers on Du Boise she has stolen for Mikey?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where does Michael shoot Vinu's father, and what is his reaction to the crime?

2. What measures has Lydia taken to ensure that she will be able to escape from her family and relocate in Cape Town?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 2

Throughout the novel, Silas struggles to reconnect to his wife, Lydia, but finds himself unable, or unwilling, to reach her. Give two examples of times in the novel when Silas tries to reach out to his wife but fails. Then, briefly explain why each of his attempts fails. What hidden demons continue to haunt Silas in his marriage?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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