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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 the woman's dream begin?

2. Richard receives a letter concerning the psychiatric treatment of which character?

3. Who is the true author of 'The Blind Assassin' sub novel?

4. In the article at the beginning of chapter 12, Richard lauds the British prime minister for doing what?

5. Where did Laura go when she first left Bella Vista?

Short Essay Questions

1. According to clues in chapter 10, who do you think is the woman's equivalent in Iris's memoir and why?

2. In chapter 13, what revelation of Iris's sends Laura over the edge?

3. According to chapter 9, why is Laura afraid of her father?

4. According to chapter 11, how does the adult Aimee feel towards her mother and why?

5. About what does the woman dream at the end of chapter 12?

6. How does Aimee respond to Iris's decision?

7. What is the woman's attitude while aboard the cruise ship?

8. According to chapter 10, what is the political climate in Spain?

9. In chapter 9, how does Laura behave towards Richard?

10. Why do you think Iris has 'The Blind Assassin' published?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"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.

Essay Topic 2

Iris feels confined by her gender. She feels obligated to accept Richard's marriage proposal, she allows him to bully her because she believes she has no real power in their relationship, and remains married to him because she has no marketable skills. In the same way, the sacrificial virgins of Sakiel-Norn are doomed to a life of slavery and sacrifice. Do you think that Iris and Laura are confined by their gender or do they have the power to make their own decisions and escape from the expectations of the men around them? Compare and contrast the Sakiel-Norn virgins with the women in the main novel, incorporating at least two characters. You might want to include characters such as Iris, Laura, Reenie, Winifred, Liliana, Adelia, Aimee, or Myra. You can also incorporate the Peach Women of Aa'A if you so choose.

Essay Topic 3

At any point in the novel, the political climate often directly affects the lives of the characters. How does the changing political climate affect the story? Consider the effects of such events as the stock market crash, labor strikes, World Wars I and II, and the Spanish Civil War.

(see the answer keys)

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