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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. What type of beverage does the narrator invoke to describe the way in which darkness unfolds?

2. The university attended by the narrator had previously served as an outpost for what group?

3. The first pilgrim focused upon within the narrative of Flights is whom?

4. As a child, the narrator had dreamt of one day becoming what?

5. The narrator comes to believe that change is different from permanence in what way?

Short Essay Questions

1. What method does the narrator prefer when dealing with locations in which she has been hurt?

2. What conclusions does the narrator draw about islands and why?

3. What coping mechanism does Kunicki primarily use to deal with the stress of his missing wife and son?

4. How is personification used to underscore the deep love Blau has for the study of anatomy?

5. What is ironic about Blau's "unproblematic" (133) romantic life prior to his marriage?

6. Describe Blau's feelings about the discipline of medicine.

7. How does the unnamed narrator feel about islands and why?

8. How is repetition used within the story about Kunicki and for what purpose?

9. How does the theme of deception arise within Blau's visit to Mrs. Mole's home?

10. To what advice does the title "Guidance from Cioran" refer?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What message does Tokarczuk send within the pages of Flights concerning the link between travel and a meaningful life?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Tokarczuk’s messages about guilt and responsibility within Flights. Focus especially on elements such as the feelings of responsibility Verheyen’s protege feels toward Verheyen, even after his mentor’s death.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the ways in which the novel Flights uses the motif of dreams to further its key messages.

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