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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. To Nella's surprise, Marin tells her that what object will protect the Brandt household in the face of Johannes's homosexuality?

2. What does Agnes insist that Nella call her?

3. When Nella realizes that she has not sent her unwanted items along with the note to the miniaturist, what does she do with them?

4. What instrument does Nella play during the performance for the Meermanses?

5. How old is Johannes at the time of his and Nella's wedding?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Nella mean when she muses that Marin and Johannes are obsessed with "souls and purses" (27)?

2. How does Nella feel when Marin reveals that she has known all along that her brother Johannes is gay?

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

4. How does Nella characterize the people in her life in relation to dwelling on the past?

5. What does the herring served within the Brandt household symbolize?

6. What is the significance of Nella's lute performance during the Meermans' visit?

7. What is Nella's marital status when she first arrives at the Brandt home?

8. Describe Marin's character.

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

10. What is Otto's history?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose three symbols used by the author to transmit a particular thematic message. Discuss the author's purpose in depicting each object within the narrative.

Essay Topic 2

Determine the author's message regarding truth, lies, and hypocrisy.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the many instances of irony within the novel's narrative and analyze the author's purpose for including each instance you discuss.

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