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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 does Iris see hanging from the tree outside her former home?

2. Where was Laura rumored to be?

3. What hobby does Laura take up?

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

5. Soon after which war did Laura die?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Iris marry Richard Griffen?

2. According to the news article in chapter 4, how does Norval Chase respond to the economic depression?

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

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

5. In chapter 4, how does the woman feel about the man's story?

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

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

8. What is the fate of slave children who make the carpets in Sakiel-Norn?

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

10. In chapter 1, what is the official conclusion of Laura's cause of death?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Though Port Ticonderoga is fictional, it is in many ways instrumental to the story of the Chase sisters' early life. Explain the significance of Port Ticonderoga and its history in relation to the story of the downfall of the Chase family dynasty. In what ways does having a fictional setting add to the novel and in what ways does it detract?

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the novel, the characters, particularly Laura and Iris, make decisions because they are misinformed or ignorant. Discuss the significance of ignorance and oblivion in the novel. According to the woman, she is with the man for oblivion. Does this oblivion necessitate the ignorance regarding the events taking place around her? In what ways does oblivion or ignorance help the characters and in what way does it hinder them? On the other hand, are there any instances in which knowledge is a hindrance?

Essay Topic 3

"The Blind Assassin" has a unique structure, incorporating Laura's novel, Iris's memoir, and newspaper clippings. Do you think that this adds or detracts from the novel? Why or why not? Give evidence from the text to support your position.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 710 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample