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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 decides to take the twins?

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

3. According to Marion, what will Shiva do when he's ready?

4. Why does Ghosh attach an anklet to Shiva?

5. In what physical condition are the twins?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What happens the moment Hema arrives back at Missing?

4. Why does the Emperor call the hospital?

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

6. How does the family receive word about Mebratu's coup and what is the coup like initially?

7. What does Marion remember about being a toddler?

8. What happens when Hema first rushes into the operating room?

9. What does Ghosh explain to the man with stomach pain, and what does he realize about the man?

10. How does Hema feel about the twins after she takes them in, and why does she call Ghosh for help?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"Cutting for Stone" belongs to fictional memoir genre. Discuss the following:

1. Define the literary term "genre" and give several examples of three other genres in addition to the fictional memoir genre.

2. Discuss two reasons why it might be useful to label a text by genre and two reasons it might be disadvantageous to label a text by genre.

3. What do you think is the difference between a fictional memoir and a historical novel mystery?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Characters are an important part of what makes "Cutting for Stone" interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Marion. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Genet. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Shiva. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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