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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 learn that Kathy came to the house?

2. What does Kathy say about the Behranis in her house?

3. What lie does Behrani tell Esmail when he explains how Kathy lost the house?

4. What is Kathy's pastime when she isn't cleaning houses?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Kathy feel that everything she says has another side to it?

2. What happens to Behrani's cousin Jasmeen, and why is he unable to forget it?

3. Why does Behrani regret that he will soon sell the house?

4. What does Esmail advise his father to do after Lester's threatening visit?

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

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

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

8. What do you make of Kathy's stealing the clothing and makeup she wears to visit Nadereh?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Events in Iran many years before the opening of this story shape the thinking of the characters in the present. The photo of Behrani with the shah is an important symbol in this story. In this essay, consider the effect of the photo on Nadereh, on Soraya, on Soraya's in-laws, on Lester, on Kathy, and on Behrani himself. Use quotations from the story in each instance.

Essay Topic 2

We are not told that Kathy is beautiful, but there are several instances of responses to her from men, including bystanders and passing motorists. What do these responses tell you about her? What does Lester's response to her tell you about her? In your opinion, would the story have been different if Kathy's appearance was different? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Main characters in this story reach a point where each feels that he is through with lies and deception. Analyze the importance of deception in this story. What does each of the men pretend to be that he is not? What do you think Dubus is trying to teach us about lies?

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