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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 is 2265 Micheltoreno?

2. Why is the location of Ward's body questioned?

3. What does Carriscant realize when he visits Pantaleon?

4. What does Philip say about Kay since they divorced?

5. What is Pantaleon building?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Salvador Carriscant say about his return to Manila in 1897?

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

3. How does Kay conduct her investigation of Carriscant?

4. Why does Kay visit Philip and what happens and what does she think about her and Philip?

5. What does Carriscant show Kay after visiting Paton Bobby and what does he ask of her?

6. What is the impact of Coleman's death on Kay and Philip?

7. Why does Kay's lawyer call her and why is his news in a way depressing for Kay?

8. Why does Kay go to visit her mother in Chapter Four?

9. What does Carriscant say about his parentage?

10. What is Pantaleon building inside his barn?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think The Blue Afternoon is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of William Boyd.

2. What in Boyd's background may have helped him in writing The Blue Afternoon? What may have influenced the way he depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

(see the answer keys)

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