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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 is John Kwang's occupation?

2. Who does Lelia live with after she leaves Henry?

3. When Janice asks Henry about his occupation, what does he say?

4. Who is John Kwang?

5. How long has Lelia been a smoker?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Pete Ichibata make a good spy?

2. Describe Henry's father.

3. Describe Glimmer and Company's secret apartment.

4. How did Henry and Lelia react to their son's death?

5. Describe Janice's disposition and way of dress.

6. Describe John Kwang.

7. How do Kwang's closest employees treat him?

8. How does John Kwang dress?

9. What happened to Lelia while she was in Europe?

10. List five of the things Leila wrote on the list she gave to Henry before she left for Europe.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Most of the action of Native Speaker takes places in New York City. Only on a few occasions do characters travel outside of the city to places like Europe. Write an essay that explains how the setting of New York City contributes to the plot. Why is New York city a significant city? What is special about it? What type of people live in New York City? What is life like in the different neighborhoods?

Essay Topic 2

Henry spends a great deal of time remembering things from his childhood. In most cases he recalls something his father did or said. Write an essay that explores Henry's childhood. Did Henry have a "normal" childhood? What are some of the happier moments? What are some of the sadder moments? How old was he when his mother died and what impact did her death have on his life?

Essay Topic 3

The characters in Native Speaker love to eat. Many conversations in the novel take place over a plate of food in some diner, nightclub, or cafe. Write an essay that explores the theme of food and consumption within the context of the story. How many different locations do the characters eat in? What types of things do the characters speak of while dining? Why are these locations significant to the plot? Which of these places does Henry eat at the most?

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This section contains 737 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample