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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 is the Danish girl in Theo’s class that has a crush on Boris in Chapter 6: “Wind, Sand and Stars”?

2. What is the name of Kotku’s older boyfriend in Chapter 6: “Wind, Sand and Stars”?

3. What caused the death of Pippa’s mother?

4. What is Theo’s mother’s name?

5. Who is Theo’s Honors English teacher in Chapter 5: “Badr al-Dine”?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is the arrival of Theo’s father described in Chapter 4: “Morphine Lollipop”? Who accompanies Theo’s father when he arrives?

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

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

4. What psychological disorder does Theo’s father display the characteristics of, as seen in Chapter 2: “The Anatomy Lesson”?

5. Where does Theo meet Hobie in Chapter 3: “Park Avenue”?

6. Who is the narrator of the novel? What are the current circumstances of the narrator in Chapter 1: “Boy with a Skull”?

7. What does Theo learn about the red-headed girl in Chapter 4: “Morphine Lollipop”?

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

9. What obstacle appears in Theo’s and Boris’s friendship in Chapter 6: “Wind, Sand and Stars”?

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

Discuss the themes of aesthetic beauty and art in The Goldfinch. How is the value of art described and illustrated through the narrative? What does the painting The Goldfinch represent symbolically to Theo? Why? What characters in the novel appreciate art and aesthetic beauty?

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

Describe and discuss Theo’s actions, objectives, and obstacles following his father’s death in Chapter 6. Why does Theo feel urgency for leaving while Xandra is asleep? What obstacles does Theo face? How are these obstacles overcome?

(see the answer keys)

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