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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 is the name of the English patient's partner?

2. Who does Clinton bring with him to the exploration?

3. Why does the English patient love the desert?

4. What does Kip do with his partner's body?

5. What is the English patient's team searching for?

Short Essay Questions

1. What purpose does the piano serve in the villa?

2. How does Chapter 5 foreshadow later events in the novel?

3. Describe Hana's conversation with Caravaggio in the library after Kip and his partner arrive at the villa.

4. What is the general purpose of Chapter 4? Is it effective?

5. Describe the scene in the English patient's room before Kip's partner dies.

6. Describe the significance of the Geographical Society in the story.

7. How is the topic of companionship explored in Chapter 4?

8. What sort of presence does Kip have on the other characters in the villa?

9. Describe Kip and his fascination with religious symbols.

10. How would you describe the relationship between Katharine and the English patient?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The concept of companionship is present throughout this novel. What can readers learn about Ondaatje's characters in relation to others? Be sure to give specific examples.

Essay Topic 2

How is Ondaatje's story ultimately resolved? Do you think the plot was adequately resolved? In your opinion, what could have been added (or removed) to make it more meaningful?

Essay Topic 3

There are several instances of irony in Ondaatje's book. Identify at least one of these instances and describe why Ondaatje may have used irony when describing this particular situation.

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