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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. How long has Kathy been sober?

2. Why does Kathy think Mrs. Behrani is like Kathy's mother?

3. What does the letter from Connie Walsh advise the Behranis to do?

4. How does Behrani learn that Kathy came to the house?

5. Who owns half of Kathy's house?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Kathy upset about the utility bills she gets in the mail?

2. Why does Behrani say that he is not a man of faith?

3. Why does Nadereh accuse Behrani of ruining their country and her life?

4. Why is Kathy surprised when the officers come to evict her from her home?

5. When Esmail asks his father if they were rich in Iran, Behrani replies, "Yes and no, son." What do you think he meant?

6. Do you think Lester's advice to Kathy when he helps her after the eviction is correct?

7. Why is Behrani quitting both his jobs?

8. Why does Kathy say she feels like a witch waiting for her brew to take effect?

9. What is Kathy's intention in calling her brother Frank, and why doesn't she do as she intended?

10. What is the BEAST that Kathy has been taught to avoid?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The breaking of promises is a significant theme in this story. Behrani, Kathy, and Lester all make vows and break them. Choose one of the three characters. Analyze the promises they make and their motivation for breaking those promises. For example, the HALT advice for addicts is useful, but ignored by Kathy. How might the story have been different if she and/or Lester had followed the HALT prescription?

Essay Topic 2

Dubus has written a story with powerful themes. A theme is the author's main idea, or purpose in telling the tale. What do you believe Dubus is trying to teach us as his readers? Support your thesis with ideas or facts from the story.

Essay Topic 3

If Kathy had felt supported rather than criticized by her family, do you think the outcome of this story would have been different? Do you think her feelings are justified by their treatment of her? Using quotations and facts from the text, analyze Kathy's relationships with her mother and brother.

(see the answer keys)

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