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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. When Coleman and his guest leave the ___________ during a break, Nathan follows them.

2. Who does Delphine realize that she wants to be with, as she is writing her personal ad?

3. Where does Coleman sit when he overhears a racy conversation between some men?

4. What does Delphine obtain once she begins to hear rumors of Coleman's relationship with Faunia?

5. What did Delphine try to use on Coleman when she was interviewing for her current job?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was the issue with the girl in Lisa's reading recovery group that made her question her teaching abilities?

2. What does Les think he has to do in order to be able to feel things again?

3. How does Nathan encounter Coleman and Faunia at the open rehearsal of the Boston Symphony?

4. What is the real reason Faunia gets angry with Coleman for reading to her when they get up the next morning?

5. What does Lisa think about Coleman's obvious attraction to Faunia?

6. What are the three men on the campus of Athena College talking about as Coleman is sitting on a bench?

7. What is in the content of the first letter that Delphine writes to Coleman, though she tears it up?

8. What does Coleman encourage Faunia to do that Steena once did with him in the past?

9. What are Delphine's ideas about women and about their sexuality?

10. What happens to stop Coleman from going to Delphine's office to confront her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Race is a large part of this story, even when it isn't directly discussed. But race becomes the motivating force behind many decisions.

Part 1: How is race defined within this story by its characters?

Part 2: Is race only a matter of the color of one's skin? Why or why not?

Part 3: If you could change the way you look to others, would you? Would you present yourself as a different race? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Even in his darkest times, with rumors swirling about him, no one seems to stick up for Coleman.

Part 1: Why do you think none of his academic colleagues stood up for Coleman?

Part 2: Why do you think Coleman's children instantly believed the rumors instead of giving their father a chance to explain?

Part 3: Do you think anyone likes Coleman enough to help him? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

It's interesting that the story includes a modern day reference to the Bill Clinton scandal, as it mirrors other events in the story as well.

Part 1: Why do you think the author decided to include the reference to the Bill Clinton scandal?

Part 2: Do you think Clinton's situation and Coleman's situation are similar? Why or why not?

Part 3: What do you think the novel has to say about affairs between older men and younger women?

(see the answer keys)

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