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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 character from Sesame Street does Theo compare the “Hispanic guy in a shirt and tie” to that arrives at his door in Chapter 2: “The Anatomy Lesson”?

2. How does Xandra say Theo’s father died in Chapter 6: “Wind, Sand and Stars”?

3. What is the name of the male social worker that takes Theo to the diner in Chapter 3: “Park Avenue”?

4. Who is the maid that brings Andy and Theo appetizers when Mrs. Barbour hosts a party in Chapter 3: “Park Avenue”?

5. What is Hobie’s full name?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Theo’s principle internal conflict in Chapter 4: “Morphine Lollipop”?

2. What themes are central in Chapter 5: “Badr al-Dine”? How are these themes illuminated?

3. Where does Theo go to stay after his mother’s death in Chapter 3: “Park Avenue”? Why?

4. Where is Pippa being taken in Chapter 4: “Morphine Lollipop”? Why? How does Pippa feel about her circumstances?

5. How does Theo describe the sexual undertones of his friendship with Boris in Chapter 6: “Wind, Sand and Stars”?

6. How does Theo describe his father’s “newfound” addictions and behavior in Chapter 5: “Badr al-Dine”?

7. How does Theo describe his relationship with his father in Chapter 2: “The Anatomy Lesson”?

8. How does the narrator describe his mother in Chapter 1: “Boy with a Skull”?

9. What do Theo and Hobie discuss on Theo’s first visit in Chapter 4: “Morphine Lollipop”?

10. How does Theo come to be in possession of the ring and painting in Chapter 1: “Boy with a Skull”?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze and discuss the character of Audrey Decker (Theo’s mother) in The Goldfinch. How does Theo feel about his mother? What is their relationship like? Why is Theo in trouble on the day that his mother dies? How does Theo describe his mother’s past?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the legalities of Theo’s situation following the death of his mother. Who would be the first person(s) in this situation to take guardianship of Theo? Why is Theo’s case complicated due to his father’ absence?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze and discuss the character of James Hobart in the novel. How old is Hobie when Theo meets him? What was Hobie’s relationship to Welty? How does Hobie differ from the other adult characters that Theo has encountered since his mother’s death?

(see the answer keys)

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