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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. In what year does Laura die?

2. Who drives Iris to Montreal to see the lawyer?

3. Whom does Iris run into when she is out shopping soon after marrying Richard?

4. Which character was said to "always be there" for the Chase sisters?

5. How does X escape?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Laura respond to living with Richard and Iris?

2. How does Iris respond to requests for information about Laura?

3. On her deathbed, Iris's mother tells her to promise to do something for her. What does Iris promise her mother she will do?

4. Why does Iris marry Richard Griffen?

5. How do Winifred and Richard treat the Chase sisters?

6. In chapter 6, the man and the woman talk about love and the way the man often says that love isn't real. Do you think the man truly believes this?

7. According to chapter 6, does the man enjoy writing science fiction stories?

8. Do you think X's chose the right course of action regarding the tongueless virgin?

9. In chapter 1, do you think Iris is too concerned with maintaining appearances?

10. Why does Benjamin Chase marry Adelia?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many of the characters do things that they find repulsive or uncomfortable as a sacrifice for someone they love. Choose a sacrifice made by a character in the novel, explain the sacrifice and why the character made it and whether you agree or disagree with the character's decision. Be sure to explain your reasoning and answer such questions as: Did the sacrifice accomplish anything; did the person for which the character is sacrificing appreciate the sacrifice; does it matter if it is appreciated?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the relationship between author and story, and fiction and nonfiction as presented in the novel. Iris never explicitly mentions her affair with Alex within the memoir, while her meetings with him serve as the basis for the frame narrative of 'The Blind Assassin'. To what extent do you think 'The Blind Assassin' represents the reality of Iris and Alex's affair and to what extent do you think Iris fictionalizes the story? How does this relate to the novel as a whole? Do you think Atwood's novel is at all based in her own reality? Give examples to support your view from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Aimee blames her mother for Laura's death. Iris, too, blames herself for Laura's death, but defends herself by saying she did not choose her actions, but was rather forced into them. Is Iris responsible for Laura's death, and if so, what could she have done to prevent it and if not, why not?

(see the answer keys)

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