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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 drives Desdemona and Lefty from Bithynios?

2. In "Opa!", why is Milton suddenly around the house more than at the diner?

3. What play do the two couples go to see the night that their babies are conceived?

4. How does Lefty manage to keep the men in the gaming room from stealing his winnings?

5. To what religious faith does Stephanides family belong?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Describe Desdemona's transformation after Calliope's birth.

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

6. Describe the narrator in Book 2, Ex Ovo Omina.

7. Describe Desdemona's appearance.

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

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

10. Describe the events that allow Desdemona and Lefty to depart from Smyrna.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are several characters who influence the person that the narrator becomes. Select the two characters who you believe have the greatest impact on her development and:

1) describe each character's actions or beliefs as they relate to Cal/Calliope.

2) discuss the impact of this character on Cal/Calliope's life and personality.

3) discuss why you selected each particular character. What about each character made him/her more of an influence on Cal/Calliope than others?

Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

In Middlesex, a few minor characters have a major impact on the story line. Select one of the following minor characters to analyze: Father Mike, Jimmy Zismo, Chapter Eleven or Sourmelina. Discuss:

1) The personality (character traits) of this character.

2) The relationship between this minor character and the major characters in the story.

3) The impact of this character on the story line--How does s/he influence the overall story line? How would the story be different if this character was removed?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the relationship between tradition and the modernity in Middlesex. How does the author represent the traditional and the modern in the story? How do the two interact with each other? What is the impact of modernity on tradition? Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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