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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. In Chapter 6, who does the English patient begin to talk to about his past?

2. What does Kip admire about the English patient?

3. What organization does Kip belong to?

4. What is special about the bomb Lord Suffolk was dismantling?

5. What did the English patient wrap around Katharine?

Short Essay Questions

1. Do you find that Kip becomes more or less likable as the novel comes to an end? Why?

2. Is it surprising to you to find out that the English patient was a spy during the war? Why or why not?

3. In Chapter 7, what does the reader learn about traditions in Sikh families? How are these traditions different in Kip's family?

4. Explain the conflict between Hana and Caravaggio concerning the English patient's identity.

5. Who is Miss Morden? Why is she significant to Kip?

6. Describe the scene in Naples that Kip tells to Hana.

7. Why would Kip share with Caravaggio the story about dismantling a bomb in a pit?

8. How does Katharine die?

9. Explain how the English patient came to be severely burned.

10. What occurs that leads to changes in the relationship between Kip and Caravaggio?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

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 at least three instances of foreshadowing in Ondaatje's novel. Why would Ondaatje include these instances? How would the story change if they had not been included?

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