View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why was Darrow angry with Tanner?

2. What is Robert's new position?

3. What picture does Linh stare at while he is dreaming?

4. Who fights with Tanner about taking the picture?

5. With what does Helen become involved while she is staying with Darrow?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where do Linh and Helen go and what is happening with Darrow?

2. Why do Tanner and Darrow get into a fight?

3. How does Helen's teaching Linh to swim change something for Linh?

4. Describe the dinner Thao has for Linh.

5. What happens between Darrow and Tanner at the party and what does Darrow tell Helen about Tanner?

6. Who is Thao and what does she feel towards Linh and Helen?

7. What do Annick and Helen discuss when she has dinner with Annick?

8. What happens with Robert?

9. What does Darrow tell Helen he has in Saigon and what does he say about his life?

10. What does Robert ask Helen and what is her response?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Helen and Linh. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Linh and Darrow. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in The Lotus Eaters help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

Essay Topic 2

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Tatjana Soli.

2. What in Soli's background may have helped him in writing The Lotus Eaters? What may have influenced the way he depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

Essay Topic 3

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think The Lotus Eaters is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 990 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample