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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 does Chapter Eleven do after the church service that shocks and frightens Tessie?

2. Who is the narrator of the story?

3. What artistic medium does Julie Kikuchi work with?

4. What does Desdemona admire about the women of Temple No.1?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the vigilante who throws a Molotov Cocktail into the Zebra Room yell "Opa!" as he sets the diner on fire?

2. Describe the Greek General Hajienestis.

3. Why does Lefty not marry either of the village girls that Desdemona attempts to set him up with?

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

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

6. What does Desdemona do when she hears that Milton's Navy unit will be going to war?

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

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

9. Describe the village of Bithynios.

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

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

Middlesex is a first person narrative written from the point of view of Cal. Discuss how this fact influences the story? What biases does Cal bring to the story? How would the nove be different if another character was telling the story? Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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