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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. What does Erica want to celebrate in Chapter 6 with Changez?

2. What does the American Stranger keep being distracted by in Chapter 8?

3. What artwork does Changez notice in Jim's apartment in Chapter 8?

4. What does Changez's mother tell him to do before he leaves Lahore for America?

5. How does Erica want to celebrate with Changez in Chapter 6?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 7, what does Changez propose to Erica about lovemaking that he feels conflicted about later?

2. What disturbing stories does Changez begin to hear in the aftermath of 9/11 in New York City?

3. In Chapter 8, what advice does Erica's mother give to Changez?

4. In Chapter 8, what changes does Jim see in Changez?

5. What does Changez regret asking Erica about in Chapter 8, and why?

6. How does Erica feel when Changez begins to talk about his home and his family?

7. What does Changez mean when he describes feeling a sort of asymmetry to his life in Chapter 6?

8. In Chapter 6, what scent does Changez point out to the American Stranger, and why?

9. How does Changez think the American Stranger greets his revelations about his conduct with Erica?

10. How does Changez feel about his own reaction to the 9/11 attacks?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why do you think Changez is so drawn to Erica, and how does he handle the realization that there is not a real possibility of a romantic relationship with her? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay analyzing the ending of this novel, in which the American Stranger appears to be reaching for a gun and the people following Changez appear to be advancing on the American Stranger. Why do you think Hamid chose to end the novel this way? Cite specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 3

What are some of the adjustments to American culture that Changez finds most difficult to make in the early parts of the novel? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

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