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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. Who does Bronca argue about grants with?

2. What does Bronca call the leader of the art group that shows up at the Center?

3. The woman in the bathroom stall tells Bronca she has gained what?

4. In what shape are the creatures that attack Brooklyn’s house?

5. What poet does the voice in the bathroom stall quote to Bronca?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Manny’s special connection to the Primary?

2. What does Padmini realize is “wrong” at her next door neighbor’s?

3. What do readers learn about Aislyn’s mother as the novel goes on?

4. In what way is Brooklyn attacked?

5. Sao Paulo almost manages to get Aislyn to join the others. What prevents him?

6. Why is the Primary asleep, as Bronca realizes in Chapter 9?

7. Describe Brooklyn's relationship to her daughter Jojo.

8. What does Manny remember about his past in Chapter 11, and why does it disturb him?

9. What is the attitude of Padmini's relatives and neighbors when Sao Paulo arrives?

10. After Aislyn has assaulted Sao Paulo, how is Sao Paulo saved?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In an essay, analyze the author’s attitude towards cities. What does she feel are the positive aspects of cities? What are the negative?

Essay Topic 2

Manny cannot remember much about his own past, but he seems to feel he was a bad person. In what way is this experience an opportunity for him to gain redemption?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay in which you explore the relationship of H.P. Lovecraft to the novel.

(see the answer keys)

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