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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 is Henry good at writing?

2. Who is Stew?

3. What happens when Henry goes to Molly's apartment and tries to contact Lelia?

4. What happened to Henry's son?

5. Where did Henry spend his summers after he got married and had his son?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do Kwang and Henry decide to stop on the way to the restaurant?

2. Describe Glimmer and Company's secret apartment.

3. Describe Henry.

4. Describe Henry and Lelia's marriage.

5. Describe Eduardo.

6. In what manner did Henry's father run his businesses when he was alive?

7. Describe the mystery woman Henry's father brought from Korea.

8. Describe Wen Zhou and why he was an interest to Henry's company.

9. Describe John Kwang.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

John Kwang is one of the antagonists of Native Speaker. He is a complex man who on the surface seems perfect. However, as the plot of Native Speaker plays out his facade begins to slowly come apart. Write an essay that delves into the psyche of John Kwang. What kind of man is Kwang? Is he prestigious, strong, and intelligent? Or is he in fact weak and easily subjected to the influence of others? In what ways does his character evolve over the course of the story?

Essay Topic 3

Though Henry is not particularly religious, other characters in Native Speaker are. Religion is prevalent both in the poorer and in the richer neighborhoods of New York City. Write an essay that explores the theme of religion within the context of the story. Are different religions treated equally in Native Speaker? Which characters are the most religious? Which are the least religious? In which cases do the more religious characters pray to their god? What do they pray for?

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