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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. The term “zandayi” carries which of the following meanings, per the novel?

2. Which of the following does Darius receive as a Nowruz present from his uncles?

3. How tall is the baad gir in Yazd?

4. Who is Jamsheed’s partner at the Nowruz Rook game?

5. How old is Darius’s cousin Parviz?

Short Essay Questions

1. In the group soccer game Darius and Sohrab play against Ali-Reza and Hossein, the earlier epithet for Dairus, “Ayatollah,” is repeated but reimagined or reappropriated (249). What was its original meaning, as applied to Darius, and what is its reappropriated meaning?

2. Why does Darius note that Stephen’s chin scratches him?

3. In the baad gir in Yazd, Darius is taken by what he sees. What is it that he sees?

4. In the group soccer game Darius and Sohrab play against Ali-Reza and Hossein, there is a metaphor in the opposing team’s goal being “completely undefended” against Sohrab’s play (247)? What is the vehicle to the undefended goal’s tenor, and how is it connected?

5. What mess does Darius note is left by the Bahrami Nowruz celebration?

6. What reasons does Shirin give for not having taught Darius Farsi?

7. What are the three things Darius notes liking in Sohrab while walking with him and his family?

8. Why, per Darius, is sumac served as an accompaniment to chelo kabob?

9. What is Persian Casual, in Darius’s estimation?

10. What does Darius wonder about Ardeshir as he helps him set up card tables for serving chelo kabob?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Darius notes not wanting Sohrab to see him suck on the tassels of his hoodie (236) or to see him take his depression medication (240), but he does seem to be okay with Sohrab seeing him undressed or seeing him cry. Why? What in the novel suggests that reason? How does it do so?

Essay Topic 3

Consider the following:

“‘Wow,’ I breathed.

“It felt like the kind of place where you were supposed to whisper.

“‘You say that a lot.’

“‘Sorry.’

“‘Don’t be. I like it’” (246).

To what “it” does the last line refer? Why might Sohrab like it? What in the novel indicates that reason, and how does it do so?

(see the answer keys)

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