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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 would happen to Marion if his hospital closes?

2. What does Stone say the writing on the bookmark suggests?

3. Why has Tsige seen Genet?

4. What does Marion find when he goes to Rosina's apartment?

5. What happens with Genet as the result of Rosina's action?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who does Marion meet because of her baby, what does he do with her and what is her response?

2. How does Marion find out that Genet is in America?

3. How does Deepak feel about the famous doctor's suggestion and what does Marion learn from Deepak about the doctor?

4. Where does Marion go when he arrives in New York and how is he surprised there?

5. What does Marion notice about Ghosh when Marion is in medical school, what does Ghosh tell him and what does Ghosh ask him?

6. How does Marion see Tsige again?

7. What happens when Popsy tries to operate during Marion's first surgery?

8. What does Marion do to express his anger towards Stone?

9. How does Marion finally end up having sex with Genet, and what does she do after they are together?

10. Why is Genet in America, and why does Marion not beat her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Over the course of "Cutting for Stone", Marion grows as a person in both complexity and understanding. "Cutting for Stone" might be considered a slice of Marion's larger story of his "coming of age." It might be said that the story is a "bildungsroman" of Marion. Discuss the following:

1. Define Bildungsroman, or "Coming of Age," and give several examples from literature you have read.

2. Trace and analyze the character of Marion as he changes from a more carefree, innocent boy to a wiser, young man. What are the significant events that change Marion?

3. After thoroughly analyzing Marion's growth throughout "Cutting for Stone", do you think the book could be considered Marion's Coming of Age story? Why or why not?

4. Are there any other characters in "Cutting for Stone" who go through a Coming of Age experience? Who? Why do you think so?

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

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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