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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 color is Aimee's hair?

2. In the woman's imagination, the man is sitting next to a woman who is doing what to pass the time?

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

4. Richard, Iris, Laura, and Winifred take the maiden voyage of what ship?

5. Whose presence at Norval Chase's funeral upsets Reenie?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Iris choose to respond to the message left by her sister?

2. At the end of the chapter, Iris hears something outside her window. What does she think it is and what is it really?

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

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

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

6. According to the article at the beginning of chapter 12, what are Richard's views about Germany?

7. What are Winifred's feelings toward Iris's pregnancy?

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

9. What does Laura say in chapter 11 that upsets Winifred?

10. Why is Laura kicked out of her school?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

The novel explores many issues related to social class, both in the main narrative and the sub narrative. Compare the rigid class structure of Sakiel-Norn to that of the early to mid twentieth century class structure as depicted in the novel. Make sure to address such issues as social mobility, the value of money, and the disconnect between public appearances and private actions.

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