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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. When Anwar's first business failed, what did he change it to?

2. What does Karim think about the individual he meets at the second party Haroom speaks at?

3. How does Helen's dog feel about Karim?

4. What style of music describes the band that Charlie and Karim see together?

5. What was Anwar's first business?

Short Essay Questions

1. How can the relationship between Changez and Jamila be compared to the relationship between Haroon and Eva.

2. How does Changez surprise Karim at Eva's housewarming party?

3. How is Jean described in Part One, Chapter Three?

4. What success does Karim experience at the end of Part Two, Chapter Nine?

5. What scene does Karim witness while cycling in Part One, Chapter Five?

6. Why might it be so important to Karim that Haroon realize the full consequences of his choices and possible outcomes of his actions with Eva?

7. How are Karimi's feeling toward Chalie changing in Part One, Chapter Eight.

8. What are two ways Karim shows compassion or concern for others in Part One, Chapter Six?

9. Whose living conditions change in Part One, Chapter Seven.

10. How do Margaret and Ted each demonstrate the theme of 'identity' in Part One, Chapter Seven?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare Karim's kind and sympathetic side with his selfish side, providing multiple examples of both. How does each instance help Karim discover who he truly is? Which side won out in the end?

Essay Topic 2

Explain why The Buddha of Suburbia is classified as a coming of age story. Who is coming of age in this story, and what life challenges and experiences help that individual mature?

Essay Topic 3

There is a motif of 'endings and new beginnings' throughout The Buddha of Suburbia. Discuss where and how this motif appears throughout the novel, and what purpose it serves the plot.

(see the answer keys)

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