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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. Which of the following does NOT occur at the hunting lodge?

2. How does Jerome react to Callie's abnormal genitals?

3. How does the Object act towards Callie the morning after the hunting lodge visit?

4. Why does Milton decide to remove the briefcase of money for the kidnapper from the garbage can?

5. Who is Mr. da Silva?

Short Essay Questions

1. What information does Callie get about her condition when she meets with Dr. Luce?

2. Compare Milton's and Tessie's thoughts about Cal's hermaphroditism after she disappears

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

4. Describe the series of medical examinations that leads to Callie being referred to Dr. Luce.

5. Describe Dr. Luce's office.

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

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

8. Why does Callie have sex with Jerome?

9. How does Milton attempt to down play Callie's condition when telling her about the course of treatment?

10. What does Callie notice in Miss Grotowski's math class that makes her question her own physical development?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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