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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. Before Karina leaves Richard in Chapter 9, he asks her to do what for him?

2. In the Prologue to the novel, Richard is playing a piece by which composer?

3. As Richard is lying in bed at the beginning of the sixth chapter, he notes the disease has progressed to what?

4. Richard compares having ALS to what situation?

5. What is the name of Grace's boyfriend?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Karina visits Richard for the second time, what changes in him does she notice?

2. What idea does Richard have in Chapter Eleven? What does Bill think about this idea? Why?

3. What is the first part of Richard that stops working? What does he do as a result?

4. Who is Elise and how did Karina meet her? What does Elise want Karina to do?

5. After Richard loses the loss of his arms, how does he feed himself? What does Bill add to Richard's food in Chapter Eleven? Why?

6. Who is Trevor and what has he said regarding Richard's illness?

7. When Karina first visits Richard in his condo, what is Richard doing? Why?

8. Who is Kathy DeVillo and how does she help Richard?

9. What are Karina's thoughts regarding birth and destiny? How are these beliefs illustrated by her own life?

10. Who is Maxine? How did Richard's diagnosis impact his relationship with her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Helen Keller once wrote, “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” Explain how the characters of Richard and Karina illustrate Keller’s words.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay defining love from Karina’s perspective. What is love, according to Karina?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay explaining the significance of the title of the novel. How does the title reflect the lives of Richard and Karina? How does the title reflect the novel’s themes?

(see the answer keys)

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