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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. According to Bilquis' epitaph, how did she die?

2. What did the anonymous letter call Bilquis?

3. How did Bilquis learn what happened to her family after she was boycotted?

4. What did Bilquis learn that she can't do at the same time?

5. What difference did the 1970 election make for Bilquis?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did the idea of leaving Pakistan seem enormous to Bilquis?

2. What did Mahmud know about his grandmother Bilquis' Christianity?

3. Why did Ken Old tell Bilquis that she had reason to rejoice even while she is sad at their departure?

4. What did Bilquis learn about repentance that she calls a "beautiful secret"?

5. What pressure did the community put upon Bilquis?

6. What situation did Bilquis allow to make the decision about whether to travel to Singapore?

7. How did the family react when Bilquis showed up at Karim's funeral?

8. What was wrong with Bilquis' plan to give a Christmas party for her Muslim and Christian friends?

9. What happened to Bilquis when she decided that she would not be driven out of her home?

10. Why did Bilquis decide not to replace all of the servants she lost?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many items that are repeated in this story could be interpreted as symbols. Select a story element that you believe is symbolic of a larger idea. Using quotations from the story, tell what you think the item symbolizes.

Essay Topic 2

Bilquis faces both internal and external conflicts in this story. In your essay, compare and contrast the two types of conflict. Which do you feel is more difficult for her to contend with? Which lasts longer?

Essay Topic 3

Bilquis tells of experiences, such as floating out the window and being shaken from her bed, that are outside normal human experience. In your essay, select one or two of these experiences and give your opinion of these supernatural events. How does she account for them?

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