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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. When does the American Consulate write to Joseph requesting that Danticat and Bob undergo a physical to see if they can travel to the United States?

2. Why does Danticat's father not want to take the medication the doctor has prescribed?

3. What treat does Danticat remember getting on the street with Joseph when she was a child?

4. What does Marie Micheline name her baby?

5. What disease does Danticat's father Mira suffer from?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Danticat react when she sees her pregnancy test is positive?

2. In the section titled "We're All Dying," what does Danticat's friend tell her when Danticat informs her about how ill her father is?

3. What does Danticat's brother Kelly recall when she tells him she is pregnant in the section titled "We're All Dying"?

4. What does Danticat remember most fondly about Marie Micheline's kindness towards her as a young child?

5. In the section titled "Good-bye," what book does Danticat select to buy for herself while out with Joseph and why?

6. In the section titled Good-bye, how does Danticat remember neighbors treating her Uncle Joseph after his tracheotomy?

7. What two opposite pieces of news does Danticat receive on the same day in early July 2004?

8. Why was Danticat's father concerned about her move in 2002?

9. How does Joseph communicate and what does he communicate at Granme Melina's funeral since he can not give a sermon due to the loss of his voice?

10. What scary story does Granme Melina tell the children in Joseph's house in the section titled "Good-bye"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Danticat laments the fact that she feels she knows little about her childhood from either her father, Mira, or her Uncle, Joseph. Danticat regrets that she does not remember or have many family stories to tell. Write an essay analyzing why Danticat feels this way and explain which family members seem to attempt to fill the void she feels.

Essay Topic 2

What do you think the neighbors' behavior towards Joseph after his laryngectomy and tracheotomy procedures indicates about the relationships between the people in that area of Haiti, where Danticat lived until she was about 12? Write an essay explaining your answer, citing specific references to the text.

Essay Topic 3

At several points in the book, traditional Haitian food is brought out to provide comfort and security. Write an essay exploring the importance of traditional dishes, cooking, and Haitian food to Danticat and her family.

(see the answer keys)

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