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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. With whom is Marina infatuated?

2. How does Julius make his living?

3. What does Marina want to speak to Murray about?

4. How long had Marina been with her boyfriend before they broke up?

5. Whose arrival at the home does Marina dread?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Danielle and her mother, Randy, do when her mother visits Danielle in Manhattan?

2. How does an affair between Murray and Danielle get started?

3. What are Danielle's feelings about her mother?

4. What are Bootie's plans for his arrival in Manhattan?

5. How do the Thwaite family members react to Bootie's imminent arrival?

6. What does Murray do to try to advance his flirtation with Danielle?

7. How do Murray and Marina deal with the issue of the dead cat?

8. Who is Frederick (Bootie) Tubb and what is he doing since he left college?

9. What is ironic about the chapter on raising children in Murray's book?

10. What topic does Danielle try to talk to Marina about and why does Marina resist?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

THE EMPEROR'S CHILDREN is a classic story of loss and betrayal. What does that classification entail? Why does this novel fit into this category? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Messud is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphors, and irony, briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

Essay Topic 3

Create a character study of Murray. What are his physical characteristics? What are his motivations? What are his fears? What are his dreams? What else can you say about Murray?

(see the answer keys)

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