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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Dr. Javier do to allow himself to escape Papi?

2. Why does Senora Valencia ask Amabelle to light a candle after the babies are born?

3. Who stays with Senora Valencia the night after the children are born?

4. What image marks the beginning of the sugar cane harvest?

5. Why does Sebastien insist that the narrator take off her uniform?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

The inscription of The Farming of Bones reads: "In confidence to you, Metres Dlo, Mother of the Rivers--Amabelle Desir." Discuss the meaning of this quote in reference to the novel as a whole. What does it mean to you now that you have read the entire novel? Why? Discuss the author's choice of this inscription. Why do you think she chose this inscription?

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

Essay Topic 3

One of the themes The Farming of Bones explores is the impact of nationalism. Discuss what the novel has to say about this theme. Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

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