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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. What does Alvarez explain to Behrani after Esmail has been shot?

2. Why doesn't Lester move his head as they drive to the county offices so that Behrani can see to drive?

3. How does Behrani feel when he has put Kathy to bed?

4. Does Kathy feel like a criminal or an innocent victim as she thinks about what has happened while waiting in the hospital?

5. If the Behranis agree to leave the house, why won't Lester's problems be resolved?

Short Essay Questions

1. Kathy doesn't shower because she doesn't want to clean up, then put on again the clothes she has stolen. How is this a metaphor for her situation now?

2. How do his fellow officers feel about Lester after he has been arrested?

3. As Kathy reviews events in her mind, she believes that she was willing to let Lester do anything to put off one moment. What is she so anxious to postpone?

4. Lester becomes suspicious of Esmail. What causes this reaction?

5. Why does Lester conclude that the Behranis have told him the truth about Kathy's situation?

6. When Nadereh told Lester that her husband was "only good," Behrani believed that she had a different meaning than a positive comment on his character. What does Behrani believe Nadereh meant?

7. How does Kathy feel as she goes back into the house to wait for Lester?

8. Why does Lester feel like a fraud?

9. What is nazr?

10. Why does Lester feel that his anger, which is leaving him in the Behrani house, is something precious that he needs?

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

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 3

Uniforms have a big effect on characters in this story. Perhaps even Kathy's way of dressing is a uniform of sorts, designed to create a specific impression on the men who look at her. Using quotations from the story, discuss the effect of Behrani's uniform, Lester's uniform, or Kathy's mode of dress on themselves and the other characters.

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