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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 does Behrani break the law when he sees Kathy at his house talking to Nadereh?

2. What does Connie Walsh say is Kathy's only recourse now that they know that Behrani will not give up the house?

3. What advice does Lester Burdon give Kathy regarding her house?

4. When Lester arrives at the house, what law does he tell Behrani he has broken?

5. Why does Nadereh call Behmani a chicken?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the letter from Connie Walsh change the way Behrani is feeling?

2. Why is Nadereh happier in the little house than she had been in the expensive apartment?

3. When Behrani visualizes their happy future in America, his imagination goes beyond reality. What does he visualize that will never be possible?

4. In the first meeting between Behrani and Kathy, what does he advise her to do?

5. Why is Behrani quitting both his jobs?

6. When Kathy explains her need to keep the house to Nadereh, what is Nadereh's concern?

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

8. In the interview with Connie Walsh, what does she indicate that Behrani should do?

9. What do you make of the fact that Kathy counts and itemizes all the kinds of alcohol in her client's house?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The gun is an important symbol in this story. Those who are holding it sometimes feel stronger when they have it, sometimes weaker, as if it is a burden. In your essay, track the path of the gun from hand to hand, with the effect that it has on each person who carries it. Start with this thought: Do you think it is unusual that Lester would leave his gun with Kathy? Do policemen do such things under normal circumstances? What do you make of that occurrence?

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

Lester's past has a strong effect on actions he believes he must take now. What happens in his younger days that skews his view of the world now? What is he trying to prove and why does he feel he must prove something? Support your idea with quotations from the book.

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