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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. Which of the following is Darius wearing upon exiting Customs into Iran?

2. What is the mascot of Darius’s school?

3. How long does Darius report having been on Prozac?

4. At what time do the Kellners arrive at the Portland International Airport on their trip to Iran?

5. The word “mamou” carries which of the following meanings in the novel?

Short Essay Questions

1. What reasons does Darius give for not liking figs?

2. In what condition do the Bahramis and Kellners find Persepolis?

3. Darius considers shouting at the second customs officer he encounters in Iran. What does he consider shouting, and why does he refrain from doing so?

4. Why does Darius consider Javaneh brave?

5. Near the end of “Bette Davis Eyes,” what does Darius report wanting and failing to tell Ardeshir?

6. What occasioned Stephen stopping the fire-jumping celebration, and what caused him to resume it?

7. What reasons does Darius give for not eating falafel at home?

8. What reasons does Darius give for disliking pu-erh tea?

9. What is Surrender Cobra?

10. Why, per Darius, does he not shower after gym class at his school?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At some points, Darius notes the coincidence of Farsi and French words—“maman” and “merci”—though he notes, too, that information about those connections is not forthcoming. What reason does the novel suggest for the reticence? How does it do so?

Essay Topic 2

Consider Darius’s thought that “For Fariba Bahrami, love was an opportunity, not a burden” (75). How can love serve as either opportunity or burden? What in the novel and in experience supports the interpretation? How does it do so?

Essay Topic 3

Consider the following exchange between Stephen and Darius:

“It’s my hair, Dad,” I said. “Why is it such a big deal to you, anyway?”

“Because it’s ridiculous. Did you ever thing that you wouldn’t get picked on so much if you weren’t so…”

Dad worked his jaw back and forth.

“So what, Dad”

But he didn’t answer.

What could he possibly say? (42-43)

What was Stephen about to say, but refrained from saying? What in the novel and in experience affirms that answer? How does it do so?

(see the answer keys)

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