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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 Laura Chase die?

2. What name do others use to refer to the group who intends to invade Sakiel-Norn?

3. What does the woman claim is bloody?

4. What does X do to the tongueless virgin?

5. Where does the protagonist of the novel within the novel keep the picture at which she looks in the prologue?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the relationship between the man and the woman in 'The Blind Assassin' sub novel in chapter 2.

2. In chapter 5, how do the two sisters feel toward their governess, Miss Violence?

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

4. 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?

5. At the end of chapter 6, the man is writing a story including characters X, Y, Z, and B. What is this story about?

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

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

8. Why does Benjamin Chase marry Adelia?

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

10. Why does Iris marry Richard Griffen?

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

Many of the characters struggle with their identities. Until Laura dies, Iris lets her father and then Richard control her rather than making her own decisions. Laura is much more free-spirited but even she lets Richard and what she believes to be God's will control her. Although Richard and Winifred seem to be in control, they are really controlled by societal expectations. How are the identities of the characters created in the novel? To what extent do the characters define their own identities and to what extent are their identities controlled by the expectations placed on them by the people around them? Which character do you think has the strongest sense of identity and why? Be sure that your response includes at least three characters.

Essay Topic 3

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?

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