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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 a "ggeh"?

2. Where did John Kwang work after coming to America?

3. Why does Henry take pills?

4. Why does Henry refuse to quit his job?

5. Which character has an "Iron Curtain look"?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the process Lelia goes through to make Henry's favorite dish.

2. What does Jack mean by saying that Dennis is not a "doing creature"?

3. How do Grace and Pete treat Henry when they see him?

4. How skilled was Mitt in the English language?

5. What does Henry mean by saying that May is from "yangban" stock?

6. What suspicions does Henry harbor when it comes to Kwang and Sherrie?

7. Why is Lelia lamb stew important to Henry?

8. Why was Helda important to the Kwang family?

9. Why has it been so long since Henry and Lelia have made love?

10. Describe Sherrie.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Love is a theme of Native Speaker that impacts the lives of Henry, Lelia, and others. Without love, the lives of these characters would be stale, unemotional, and lifeless. Write an essay that explores the theme of love within the context of the story. Why is love important to Henry and Lelia? What struggles do they go through to retain their love? Which other characters in Native Speaker experience love and in what capacity?

Essay Topic 2

Henry is a character who internally struggles with his identity. Is he American or Korean? He can never fully answer the question. Write an essay that explores the struggles Henry goes through as he attempts to discover his racial identity. Where did Henry's struggle with identity begin? Who is at fault for the way he views himself? Did his father and mother ever question their identities or Korean heritage?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 818 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample