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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. Who is Kostas Mitsialis?

2. What does Jakob wonder if remembering does?

3. What do the Jews do when the Germans take over the occupation of the country from the Italians?

4. What is the state of Greece during this time?

5. What does Jacob see boys doing to produce squawks?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do Athos and Jakob go to Athens and in what condition is Greece?

2. Why does Athos choose Toronto as the place to relocate?

3. How does Kostas describe the various occupations?

4. What is Toronto like and where do Athos and Jakob go to live?

5. How does Jakob end up in Greece?

6. How does Bella continue to impact Jakob's life?

7. Who is Athos and what does he pass on to Jakob?

8. What did Jakob Beer witness as he hid in the bog?

9. How does Jakob learn English, and of what is he proud as he is mastering the language?

10. What incident does Ioannis relate, and of what does it remind Jakob?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of "Fugitive Pieces", identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in "Fugitive Pieces". (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of "Fugitive Pieces" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why "Fugitive Pieces" is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

There are a number of interesting questions raised by "Fugitive Pieces". Questions that Michaels most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Michaels' agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Michaels' probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Michaels and see if/where her life may have influenced her writing.

(see the answer keys)

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