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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 walking in Ul Qoma one night, where does Borlú go?

2. Bowden's book expounded on what theory?

3. Why are the victim's parents deported?

4. What is the name of the dig on which the victim worked?

5. What is the name of the Ul Qoman detective working with Borlú?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What is the real identity of the victim? What is known about her?

4. When Borlú arrives at an investigative dead end, Dhatt recommends he return to what? What is the outcome of this advice?

5. Who is Syedr and what does he believe about Breach?

6. Who is David Bowden?

7. Briefly describe the act of breach.

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How do the characters illustrate the constraints of bureaucracy? What are the effects of so many rules and regulations?

Essay Topic 2

At one point in the novel, Borlú remarks that Breach is “a statement of both crime and identity” Analyze how the concept of Breach influences the character of Borlú as well as the novel’s plot and themes.

Essay Topic 3

The absurd plays a role in the novel. What elements of the novel are absurd? How do these elements impact the novel’s plot, conflicts, and themes?

(see the answer keys)

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