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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 Carriscant notice about Ward?

2. How old is Kay when the novel opens?

3. During what time does the United States colonize the Philippine Islands?

4. Where does Kay have lunch with her mother?

5. What does Kay say about how she knows Carriscant to her mother?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do Bobby and Carriscant visit Isidro Cruz and what happens?

2. Why does Kay take her mother to an out-of-the-way restaurant?

3. How does Carriscant feel about his marriage?

4. What is Pantaleon building inside his barn?

5. What does Carriscant say when he elaborates on his past while he and Kay are flying?

6. What does Philip do when he comes to visit Kay after she is home from her chat with Carriscant?

7. How does Kay conduct her investigation of Carriscant?

8. Who is Kay Fischer?

9. What does Meyersen say about Kay's home and career and how does it affect Kay?

10. What do Quiroga and Carriscant do for a Chinese boy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Beyond characterizing Kay, none of the architectural themes of Part One recur with decisive impact in the remainder of the narrative. Here, they symbolize a life of precise order, deliberately controlled to reflect simplicity. Yet, Kay's life obviously is not in order--her ex-husband pursues a complicated but uncommitted relationship; her ex-partner has stolen her past work and money; and her lawyer tells her she must sell her own home to stay afloat.

1. How do you see Kay's life in conflict with the order of her thoughts and ideas on architect? Use examples from your life and The Blue Afternoon to support your discussion.

2. Discuss reasons you think Kay allows her ex-husband to take advantage of her? Use examples from your life and The Blue Afternoon to support your discussion.

3. Do you think her issues in her relationship with her ex-husband reflect in what happens to Kay with her business partner? Why or why not? Use examples from your life and The Blue Afternoon to support your discussion.

Essay Topic 2

There are many questions left with no definite answers in The Blue Afternoon. Discuss the following:

1. What are two questions left with no answers that you would have liked to know? Why? Use examples from your life and The Blue Afternoon to support your discussion.

2. Discuss, in depths, why you think Boyd left so many questions. Use examples from your life and The Blue Afternoon to support your discussion.

3. Do you think a novel should tie up all loose ends and answer all questions? Why or why not? Use examples from your life and The Blue Afternoon to support your discussion.

Essay Topic 3

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Carriscant and Cruz. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Kay and Annaliese. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in The Blue Afternoon help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

(see the answer keys)

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