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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. What does Zemui say when she returns?

2. How long is Mary Dr. Stone's surgical assistant before she goes into labor to deliver a child?

3. In what physical condition are the twins?

4. What game do Shiva, Marion and Genet play regularly?

5. What does Hema do because of feeling guilty?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How is Marion responsible for the death of a soldier?

5. What is Ghosh doing while Hema is with Mary and Dr. Stone, and how does he find out about Mary's death?

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

7. How does Dr. Stone find out Mary is pregnant?

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

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

10. What does Hema realize almost instantly in the operating room, and what does she shout at Stone? What is his response?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. Who is/are the protagonists of the story and why?

2. Who is/are the antagonists of the story and why?

3. Which three secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot?

4. Are any of the characters dispensable and which ones? Why or why not?

5. Do you think this is a character-driven plot or an action-driven plot? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

The meeting of Genet and Marion is complex and confusing. It is unclear whether or not Genet spitefully and knowingly infected Marion with the diseases that would threaten his life, or if it is an unexpected and unfortunate side effect of a lifelong obsession. Marion's time with Genet is also disturbing because he essentially rapes Genet in his bed, forcefully having sex with her, ripping through her circumcision scars. He doesn't seem to care that Genet is bleeding all over his bed, or that he is hurting her, because he is finally claiming what he believes is his. Despite his violent reintroduction to Genet, Marion cannot stop the fantasy of being with Genet forever.

1. Do you think, knowing Genet's character, it is likely she knowingly infected Marion? Why or why not? What do you think would be her motivation for consciously infecting him? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

2. Do you think Marion's treatment of Genet was rape? Why or why not? Would you consider it a criminal act, if not outright rape? Why or why not? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

3. Discuss the problem Marion has perceiving reality in relation to Genet when he still thinks about marrying her and being with her for the rest of his life. Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

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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