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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 Behmani call Esmail a chicken?

2. Why does Esmail become angry with his father?

3. What two things does Esmail like about the new house?

4. Why does Behrani believe that it is immigrants who excel in the United States?

5. Why doesn't Kathy explain the house situation to Frank?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Why does Behrani ask Kathy if she thinks he is stupid?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Do you agree with Nick that he and Kathy should not be parents? Why or why not? Use quotations and facts from the story to support your thesis.

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