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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. Who took Joseph and Maxo to the airport in Haiti in the fall of 2004?

2. Where does Danticat take Joseph for his medical exam in 1983?

3. What device does the doctor give Joseph in 1983?

4. Which person was sworn in as president of Haiti in 1991?

5. Where does an immigration agent tell Danticat that Joseph and Maxo were taken to in the fall of 2004 upon their arrival in the United States?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Tante Zi tell Joseph he could not have escaped himself?

2. Whose house does Joseph initially take refuge in when he is in hiding in Haiti in October 2004?

3. What factor about Danticat's pregnancy causes her some anxiety?

4. What story about Marie Micheline does Danticat tell her Uncle Joseph the night of Marie Micheline's funeral?

5. In the section "Brother, I Can Speak," how does Danticat's father refer to Danticat and Bob in front of Joseph when he comes to visit in New York?

6. What happens to Joseph in Haiti in October 2004?

7. Who first warns Joseph he may be in danger in October 2004 in Haiti?

8. How does Joseph eventually convince Maxo to leave the house under cover of darkness in October 2004?

9. What do some of the neighborhood gang members demand of Joseph in October 2004?

10. What does Danticat's father have to say about having an only child?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Danticat explores the subject of death from several different angles and through the experiences of several different family members in this book. Write an essay analyzing her perception of Granme Melina's attitudes towards death, especially considering Granme Melina's many folktales and legends she told the children that dealt with that topic.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay analyzing the effect that Joseph's mechanical voice box, which he acquires on a trip to the United States in the early 1980s, has on the rest of his life.

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This section contains 760 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample