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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. At the Zendo, Kimmery's whispering suggests

2. Julia begins to think that she has underestimated Lionel and that perhaps

3. When Lionel goes by himself to visit The Clients, they ask him to

4. In Kimmery's apartment, Lionel reminisces about

5. Lionel interviews a boat owner on the island and learns the island is popular with the Fujisaki Corporation because

Short Essay Questions

1. When Kimmery stops answering her phone, what is Lionel's next course of action?

2. Describe Kimmery in terms of how she fits into the Zen lifestyle and how she doesn't.

3. What were the two things that Frank Minna would not discuss during the time Lionel knew him?

4. What is it about Kimmery's personality that makes Lionel "con-worried?"

5. What did Lionel sense in the home of The Clients that made him uncomfortable?

6. What does Frank's phrase, "Tell your story walking," mean to Lionel?

7. Explain Frank Minna's saying, Wheels within wheels.

8. When he returns from exile, what does Frank tell The Clients?

9. Describe the marital relationship between Frank and Julia.

10. Discuss how Lionel thinks he is like an airbag?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Consider the theme of control in the story. 1) Write an essay describing Lionel's need for and use of control. 2) Write an essay describing Gerard's need for and use of control. or 3) Write an essay describing Julia's need for and use of control. Use examples to support your argument.

Essay Topic 2

Most of the story is told in first person point of view. 1) Why is this effective? 2) What does it allow the author to do? 3) Consider the author's purpose in choosing this point of view, and evaluate the effect of this choice on the novel. Write can essay in which you discuss one of the above using examples from the text to support your argument.

Essay Topic 3

Consider the significance of progression of relationships to the theme of the novel. 1) Write an essay describing the progression of Lionel's relationship with The Clients, or 2) Write an essay describing Lionel's relationship with the other Minna Men, or 3) Write an essay describing Lionel's relationship with Julia.

(see the answer keys)

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