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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. Why does Chapter Eleven become interested in current events and politics?

2. Why do Tessie, Milton and Callie travel to New York City?

3. What does Callie notice about herself when she sees herself in the mirror for the first time after having her hair cut?

4. Which of the following is NOT a reason why Callie is concerned about her upcoming appointment with Dr. Bauer?

5. What is Cal's friend Matt an expert on?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Tessie react to the fight that Milton has with the men during Sunday dinner?

2. Describe the changes in Chapter Eleven that Callie notices when he returns home from his freshman year at college.

3. What is the connection between the mulberry tree outside of Middlesex and the silk industry?

4. Why does Callie name her love interest "the Obscure Object"?

5. Describe Zora Khyber.

6. Describe Meg Zemka's personality.

7. What masculine traits does Callie begin showing in this chapter?

8. Describe the circumstances leading to Callie's injury.

9. Why does Father Mike pretend to be Callie's kidnapper?

10. Describe the series of drivers who pick Cal/Callie up while s/he is hitch hiking.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Middlesex looks at the relationship between gender and physical sex (i.e. male or female body parts and hormones). Discuss what the novel says about:

1) the relationship between the two. Are they always the same or different? Why?

2) what influences gender? Is physical sex the only thing that determines gender? What else influences gender?

Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas. Then comment on the novel's view points. Do you agree or disagree with what the novel says about the relationship between gender and physical sex? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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