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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. Why does Lester believe Behrani can't report him to the police?

2. Why is Lester upset when Kathy finds him waiting at the fish camp?

3. What does Kathy say to Behrani when they meet for the first time?

4. As Behrani considers his own actions over his lifetime, of what does he accuse himself?

5. Why does Behrani wear his best clothes for the appointment with Connie Walsh?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Behrani feel that Soraya is right to disrespect him when he notices her behavior during her homecoming party?

2. What happens to Kathy's Enemy Voice the last time she spends time with a married man?

3. How does Kathy feel about her drinking when she is in the motel with Lester, and why is it important to the story?

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

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

6. Why does Kathy feel superior to the everyday people she sees on the street?

7. How is Kathy like Behrani in her outlook on life?

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

9. Why is Behrani quitting both his jobs?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

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

At the end of the story, three of the main characters each say that they got what they deserved. Do you agree with them? Are the final results similar to what you predicted? In this essay, compare your early predictions for the outcome of this conflict with the actual resolution. If your predictions were different, do you like your ideas better than the actual results? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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