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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. When Marin does not introduce herself, for whom does Nella mistake her new sister-in-law?

2. What does Marin say that her society does to homosexuals like Johannes?

3. Who drags Nella out of the room after Nella discovers Johannes engaged in oral sex with someone else?

4. Over what action does Nella feel shame after she finds out that the miniaturist is a woman?

5. What were Johannes and Frans both doing when they first met?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Nella's first kiss with Johannes.

2. What are the circumstances of Nella's arrival at the Brandt house that are troubling to her?

3. How does Marin hurt Nella physically and why?

4. Describe Marin's character.

5. For what reason is Nella reluctant to answer Agnes's question about who made Nella's miniatures?

6. What is the first disagreement between Nella and Marin, and who wins it?

7. What is Johannes's reply when Nella asks him whether they are rich?

8. What warning does Otto issue to Nella concerning her parakeet and Marin?

9. What does Nella's parakeet Peebo symbolize?

10. What is ironic about Nella's mother's comment that there is only one kind of wife?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the author's use of metaphor, simile, imagery, and other literary devices as a means to send particular thematic messages within the narrative of The Miniaturist.

Essay Topic 2

What is the function of Marin's character within the novel? Discuss the characterization methods used by the author in depicting Marin and include in your discussion the reasons that the author portrays her in these particular ways.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the author's messages about guilt and responsibility within the novel The Miniaturist.

(see the answer keys)

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