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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. How does Caravaggio know Hana?

2. Why does Katharine feel guilty?

3. What natural occurrences does the English patient encounter during his travels?

4. During what historical event does this novel take place?

5. How many bedrooms are in the villa?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Katharine decide to breaks off her affair with the English patient?

2. How does the English patient behave when he and Katharine are apart?

3. Describe Kip and his fascination with religious symbols.

4. Describe Hana's daily life in the villa.

5. Though the English patient's profession is not overtly given, what do you think he does for a living? Why?

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

7. How and why is Caravaggio tortured by the Germans?

8. What event in Chapter 3 brings Hana and Kip closer together?

9. What impact has the war had on Hana?

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

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

Identify the concept of a tragic hero (or heroine). Describe one character in Ondaatje's book that you think can be described as a tragic hero, and explain what makes them fit the description. Why does Ondaatje decide to include this particular character in his book? What does he or she represent?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 705 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample