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

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

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

4. Why is Kathy upset when Nadereh says she resembles Soraya?

5. Why has Behrani been worried that Nadereh would object to the widow's walk?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Why is Behrani quitting both his jobs?

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

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

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

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

9. Why do you think Behrani has not been able to find work in the aerospace industry in spite of all his qualifications?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The main characters in this story are preoccupied with how their actions appear to others. If Nadereh was not concerned about impressing her fellow Iranian expatriates, how might the story have been different? If Deputy Gleason had not stopped Lester to thank him for being such a fine example of a police officer, how might the story have been different? Select one of the characters and explain how their preoccupation with impressing others changed the story. Use quotations and examples from the book.

Essay Topic 2

Behrani's relationship with his fellow soldiers led him to agree with things he didn't really believe in. Lester's relationship with his fellow officers has led him to do things he doesn't really believe in. Kathy says she believes that without the men "throwing their weight around," the women could have quickly solved the problem between them. Do you agree with her? Why or why not?

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Essay Topic 3

Lester has said that he loves and admires his wife. Why do you think he is willing to cause such pain to someone he loves and admires? Do you think he is surprised when she comes to the sheriff's office and creates a scene? Using quotations and facts from the story, analyze Lester's relationship with his wife.

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