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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. How does Ethan identify himself as he reflects on his college years?

2. Who receives Gil's money after he dies?

3. How does Schuyler describe Maribel when she has been drinking?

4. Where does Maribel meet Schuyler?

5. What is Joe's occupation?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Maribel describe how she feels after becoming romantically involved with Schuyler?

2. How do Maribel and Schuyler first meet each other?

3. What does Maribel say about Schuyler's mind in Chapter 3? What does she say about her own self in comparison to him?

4. What is the narrative structure throughout the novel?

5. How is Veronica described when Joe discusses Veronica's family and her growing up in Queens?

6. At the beginning of Chapter 2, how can Joe's relationship with his high school girlfriend, Veronica, be described?

7. What surprises Joe about Veronica's relationship and marriage to Schuyler, her husband?

8. How does Veronica handle losing her husband, Schuyler, after he is killed overseas?

9. How does the structure of the novel help readers understand the secrets to happiness?

10. Why do Schuyler and Maribel start crying after hearing the historian give a lecture about nineteenth century working conditions?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay summarizing and then analyzing what you think to be the most significant chapter in the novel connected to the theme of love.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay summarizing why Tara and her family ended up leaving Kathmandu. Then, explain how Tara's life might have been different if she and her family had never left Kathmandu.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay explaining what you think the meaning of life and the secrets to happiness are based on your analysis of 2-3 characters from the novel. Use their understanding about happiness to challenge or build upon your own ideas about life and happiness.

(see the answer keys)

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