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. What is unique about the dish "Gaping Fish"?

2. Why didn't Andrew have his original travel documents with him when the police questioned him on the boxcar?

3. How long was Andrew sent to jail for his crime aboard the boxcar?

4. What unconventional gift had Andrew's father given to Huy and Hien?

5. What moral summed up Andrew's experiences in Vietnam?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did the Nguyen family say goodbye to Andrew when it was time for him to return to America?

2. Why wasn't Andrew allowed to board the commuter train from Muong Man?

3. How did Calvin feel about the prospect of moving to America?

4. What is a gape fish?

5. What regrets did Andrew's father carry with him throughout his adult life?

6. What memories does Andrew have about the way his family made money in Vietnam?

7. What opinion did the American Vietnam War vet, whom Andrew met in a coffee shop, have about the War?

8. Why did Chi make the decision to move to San Francisco?

9. Whose mummified remains are kept in the mausoleum in Hanoi?

10. What interaction did Andrew have with the one-legged cyclist in Ky An?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the memoir, Andrew offers many different symbols to bring meaning to the people of Vietnam and their experiences, including the famous ruins and the gape fish. Choose one of these symbols - or another that you deem fit - and explain the symbol here. Where did Andrew first encounter this symbol? What understanding did Andrew believe the message brought to him about the Vietnamese people? Do you agree with Andrew's assessment? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the memoir, Andrew utilized almost every different mode of travel available. First, create a list of transportation methods Andrew used during his journey. Then, choose two modes of transportation and compare / contrast the experience of these travels, particularly when considering Andrew's historic quest for answers. In your opinion, what mode of transportation was most beneficial for Andrew, given his unique travel desires? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Prostitution was a large part of the Pham family's past and is therefore very present in the novel. First, describe the Pham family's involvement in prostitution and discuss their motivations, as a family, for getting involved in this business. Then, describe how this background shaped Andrew into the adult he is now. In your opinion, is this memoir justifying the Asian sex-trade? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,112 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample