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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. Why does the Oversight Committee refuse to forward the case to Breach?

2. Who threatens Borlú with slander?

3. What is the victim's real name?

4. Where was the owner of the van on the night of the murder?

5. What crime did Khurusch commit?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Orciny?

2. Who is Aikam Tsueh and what is notable about him?

3. What information does Borlú learn from Khurusch?

4. Why does Gadlem tell Borlú about complicating the case?

5. Who is Khurusch and where was he on the night of the murder?

6. What has the Oversight Committee decided?

7. What is the DöplirCaffé and what is notable about it?

8. Describe the process necessary for Borlú to travel to Ul Qoma.

9. What is the Cleavage and what is known about it?

10. How does Corwi disagree with the initial theory of the murder?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the surrender of David Bowden at the end of the novel. Why does he surrender? How does his surrender reflect the larger themes at play in the novel?

Essay Topic 2

At the end of the novel, Ashil tells Borlú that “[v]olunteering’s an early and strong indication that you’re not suited.” What does he mean by this? For what is Borlú suited? How does Ashil know Borlú is suited?

Essay Topic 3

How would you classify the novel? Is it a murder mystery? Science fiction? Fantasy? Crime novel? Choose a classification and argue why the novel fits it best.

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