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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which of the following is NOT one of the ways the narrator characterizes Sebastien?

2. According to Sebastien, why does Kongo take Joel's body away before others can see him?

3. Who had Pico courted before Senora Valencia?

4. Which of the following is NOT a piece of advice Amabelle gives Senora Valencia to help ease the pain of childbirth?

5. Why did Kongo disapprove of Joel and Felice's relationship?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the significance of the novel's title. Be sure to include:

1) A definition of "the farming of bones."

2) The variety of meanings that the phrase takes on in the novel (beyond it's literal meaning).

3) What the phrase represents about Amabelle's life.

Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

Memories are central to the story lines in Middlesex. Discuss how the author uses recollections of the past in the novel. What is the impact of these memories on the story? What is the author trying to say about our beliefs about memories? Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

The Farming of Bones looks at the relationship between the personal (i.e., love, friendships, family) and the political (i.e., government, military, nationalism). Discuss what the novel says about:

1) The relationship between the two. Are they always the same or different? Why?

2) What influences the personal? What else influences the political?

3) What impact do the two have on each other? Is it positive or negative? Why? Can the two co-exist happily? Why or why not?

Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Then comment on the novel's view points. Do you agree or disagree with what the novel says about the relationship between the personal and the political? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 415 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample