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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is Lefty's actual motivation for going into town?
(a) To sell the silk cocoons at market.
(b) To court a woman he hopes to marry.
(c) To shop for groceries at the market.
(d) To visit a local bar and brothel.

2. What does Desdemona's mother say is critical for encourage silk worms to produce good silk?
(a) Peace.
(b) A warm environment.
(c) Soft music.
(d) Their caretaker's purity.

3. What does Dr. Philobosian have that he believes will protect him from the Turks?
(a) A letter certifying that he treated the Greek military leader.
(b) Money to bribe the Turkish soldiers.
(c) A letter certifying that he treated the Turkish military leader.
(d) A successful medical practice.

4. Why are realtors reluctant to sell Milton a home in Grosse Pointe?
(a) Because of his Greek background.
(b) Because of his loud voice.
(c) Because they do not believe he can afford the mortgage.
(d) Because of the way he dresses.

5. What happens to the Zebra Room in this chapter?
(a) Lefty is forced to close the business because it is no longer profitable.
(b) Lefty relocates and expands the business.
(c) Lefty sells the Zebra Room to a new owner.
(d) Lefty is forced to close the business because of Desdemona's disapproval.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does Desdemona hope that Milton will marry?

2. Why does the silk Lefty sells in the market not earn much money?

3. Who does Desdemona over hear through the heating vents in the Silk Room of the Temple No. 1?

4. Why do Lefty and Desdemona know that they can trust Sourmelina to keep the secret that they are siblings?

5. What does Lefty do while working on the assembly line at Ford that angers some of the other workers?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is particular significance of Lefty and Desdemona (brother and sister) marrying for Cal/Calliope, the narrator?

2. Describe the village of Bithynios.

3. What is the conflict between Desdemona and Lefty in the chapter "Marriage on Ice"?

4. What does Milton do to convince the realtor to sell him Middlesex?

5. Compare Lefty's original Zebra Room to Milton's version of the Zebra Room.

6. Describe Fard Muhammad's beliefs about the evolution of race.

7. Why does Desdemona become concerned about her unborn child after talking with Dr. Philobosian?

8. Describe Desdemona's silkworm box and its contents.

9. Compare Milton's and Mike Antoniou's views on religion.

10. Why is Desdemona fearful about Tessie and Milton's burgeoning romantic relationship?

(see the answer keys)

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