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

2. What does Desdemona attempt to smuggle into the U.S. in her silkworm box?

3. Why doesn't Milton want Calliope to talk to Marius Grimes?

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

5. What concerns Milton about Lefty's business practices at the Zebra Room?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe Marcus Wyxzewixard Challouehliczilczese Grimes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Why are do the members of Temple No. 1 raise silkworms and produce silk fabric and clothing?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

One of the themes Middlesex explores is "nature vs. nurture". Discuss what the novel has to say about this theme. Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

The influence of parents on children is a recurring topic in Middlesex. Select two of the following pairs and discuss the relationship between the parent and child. Focus your discussion on the ways the the parent does or does not influence the child's development (physical, emotional, social and intellectual). Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

1) Desdemona and Milton

2) Tessie and Calliope

3) Milton and Chapter Eleven

4) Lefty and Milton

(see the answer keys)

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