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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 is unique about Calliope's fifth chromosome?

2. Who marries Lefty and Desdemona on the boat?

3. What does Callie witness late one night that foreshadows the violent turn that the riots will take?

4. Why does Jimmy Zismo need to smuggle alcohol into the U.S. from Canada?

5. What does Desdemona do to help make the village girls more attractive to Lefty?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe the village of Bithynios.

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

4. Why do Desdemona and Lefty pretend that they do not know each other while aboard the Giulia?

5. Describe Detroit in 1967.

6. Describe Calliope's baptism.

7. Describe Sourmelina's appearance when Lefty and Desdemona first arrive in Detroit. What is the significance of the way she looks?

8. How do Dr. Philobosian's and Uncle Pete's views on conception differ?

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

10. Why do the Ford Sociological Department workers visit Lefty's home? What do they find that concerns them?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

By presenting a main character who is both male and female, Jeffrey Eugenides encourages readers to question generally held beliefs about gender identity. What is the author trying to say about gender? Is it based on biology, culture or both? Do you agree or disagree with his viewpoint? Why? Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

At the beginning of Middlesex, the narrator (Cal) tells the reader that the purpose for telling this story is to record the family history that led to his hermaphroditism. ("And so before it's too late I want to get it down for good: this roller-coaster ride of a single gene through time.") Do you believe that this is the only reason for writing this story? Why or why not? What are some other reasons why Cal chooses to write this story?Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your viewpoint.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the narrator's lives as Calliope and Cal. How are they similar? How are they different? Which identity (Cal or Calliope) do you believe is his/her "true" self?Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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