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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. What does Sofia order to eat when she meets Detective Leo?

2. On May 9, 1945, what flowers does Joey send Sofia?

3. How far is it from Sofia's apartment to Antonia's?

4. Even after Antonia recovers, when does Sofia still visit her every day?

5. From where did Eli Leibovich's family immigrate?

Short Essay Questions

1. By the beginning of 1946, what responsibilities does Sofia have for her father?

2. When and how does Sofia know that she is pregnant?

3. How does everyone care for Antonia after she gives birth to Robbie and how long does it take her to recover?

4. What happens on May 9, 1945, and what does the narrator say will happen in three months?

5. What dream has Antonia adopted?

6. Why do Saul and Sofia not see one another much after they sleep together?

7. How is Paolo's love for Antonia described?

8. In 1945, how does Sofia start waking in the night?

9. What is Paolo's job after the war?

10. Where and how are Saul and Sofia married?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In The Family, some characters are more thoroughly described than others. Who are some characters that are merely named in passing or have a minor role in the novel? What is the importance of these flat characters to the storyline? In what way do these characters make the main characters more colorful or interesting? When there is conflict, what type of role do these flat characters play?

Essay Topic 2

Saul has regrets. Why does Saul have regrets? How do those regrets affect his sense of self?

Essay Topic 3

When Sofia becomes interested in Saul, she does not believe a relationship with him is possible. Why does Sofia not believe that a permanent relationship and marriage are possible with Saul?

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