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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. How does Lefty communicate with Calliope?
(a) By making faces.
(b) By speaking.
(c) Using sign language.
(d) By writing on his chalkboard.

2. Which of the following statements best describes Uncle Pete?
(a) A sweet natured priest.
(b) An intellectual chiropractor.
(c) A superstitious old man.
(d) A self-made business man.

3. What does the narrator say his purpose for telling this story?
(a) To explain why he is the way he is.
(b) To record the history of his genetic anomaly.
(c) To share his family history.
(d) To convince the reader to accept him.

4. Where does Tessie and her family wait out the riots?
(a) In Desdemona and Lefty's room in their attic.
(b) In Desdemona and Lefty's room in their basement.
(c) At a neighbor's home.
(d) At the Zebra Room.

5. What is the first luxury Milton purchases with the insurance money?
(a) The first Hercules Hot Dog stand.
(b) A Cadillac.
(c) Plane tickets to Turkey.
(d) A new home in Grosse Pointe.

Short Answer Questions

1. What happens to Milton as he is about to go into war that Desdemona believes is an answer to her prayers?

2. Why did Sourmelina's parents send her to America?

3. What does Desdemona fear will happen to Lefty?

4. What is the "maze" that Jimmy tells Lefty women should be "shut up in"?

5. What condition must Desdemona meet to be hired by the Temple No. 1?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Desdemona react to the speeches that she hears through the heating grates while working in the Silk Room?

2. What goes through Tessie's mind as she watches movies at the theatre?

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

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

5. Describe the village of Bithynios.

6. How does Jimmy Zismo change during Sourmelina's pregnancy?

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

8. How does the narrator characterize Lefty's gradual demise?

9. Describe Calliope's baptism.

10. Why do Tessie and Milton want a baby daughter so badly?

(see the answer keys)

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