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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. Whom does Nella take with her for protection when she goes to the Eastern Islands alone?

2. What color are Johannes's eyes?

3. Whom does Nella discover taking a late-night bath in the Brandt house as Nella leaves to visit the miniaturist?

4. What is the first object through which Jack pushes his dagger while inside the Brandt house?

5. With whom does Nella have an altercation when she is following Otto and goes into the church?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when the militia arrives in Part Three: "Horseshoe"?

2. What thought propels Nella to go out in the cold night to demand answers from the miniaturist?

3. What plan is developed by Nella, Marin, and Cornelia in the beginning of Part Three: "Escape"? Why has this plan been developed?

4. When Nella detects a tenderness and genuine friendship developing between herself and Johannes, what is her reaction?

5. What act does Johannes tell Marin he has undertaken for her and "against the counsel" (219) of his soul?

6. How does the destruction of the gingerbread families act as an element of foreshadowing?

7. What does Nella do as a sign of goodwill toward Johannes when he leaves for Venice and what is his reaction?

8. What is Marin about to do when Nella enters her room in Part Three: “Hidden Bodies"? Why?

9. When Nella receives eight dolls from the miniaturist, what two items is the doll made in her own likeness holding in its tiny hands? What is the significance of each item?

10. What two items does Nella say "beautifully define [Marin's] infuriating contradictions and what does Nella mean?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Trace the characterization arc of Nella's character throughout the novel. Discuss whether she is a round or flat character and whether she is a static or dynamic character.

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

Write a critical essay about the novel while using the critical power theory lens of feminist theory. Use textual evidence to back up your strong, specific claim regarding the novel's treatment of gender roles, the depiction of the oppression of women, female empowerment, misogyny's role within society, or any other issues related to feminist theory that can be found in the book.

(see the answer keys)

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