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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 is John Melly?

2. For what purpose has Eli's church been sending Matron money?

3. What happens when an old woman tries to talk to the Emperor?

4. What does Matron hold as she sits with the family during the nights?

5. Of what does the man who turns up in Ghosh's office complain?

Short Essay Questions

1. What devastates Mary about the boat trip, and what does Dr. Stone ask her when they reach Addis Ababa? What is Mary's response to his question?

2. What does Hema do about Shiva not talking, what angers Marion and what does he yell at her?

3. What is Marion and Shiva's first experience with someone dying because of not getting medical care soon enough?

4. Why are Sister Mary and Anjali on a boat,and what happens to some of the people on the boat?

5. What happens when Dr. Stone is close to death?

6. What do the students do at the beginning of the coup, and how successful are they?

7. What does Hema realize about Mary, and what does Stone do when Mary dies?

8. By the time the twins are six how are they known, and what do they realize about Shiva?

9. What happens to Dr. Stone after Mary's death?

10. What is Shiva like intellectually?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Abraham Verghese.

2. What in Verghese's background may have helped him in writing "Cutting for Stone"? What may have influenced the way he depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in "Cutting for Stone".

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of "Cutting for Stone". How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of "Cutting for Stone". How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 3

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as "Cutting for Stone" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading "Cutting for Stone"? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "Cutting for Stone" to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

(see the answer keys)

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