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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 Kit beg the nurse to bring for Port, but the nurse cannot because it is rationed?

2. Who is waiting in the hotel bar, awaiting Kit's return to the States?

3. How many of the gypsy men does Kit engage in sexual activity with?

4. Which of the following games does Tunner regularly play with Abdelkader?

5. How does Kit react when she hears she must leave Africa?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Captain Broussard react when he sees Port's poor medical condition?

2. How do Kit and Amar meet?

3. Why does Kit slip out of Zozeph's house in the middle of the night?

4. What accusations does Captain Broussard make regarding Kit's relationship with Port?

5. How is Kit cared for while she is staying under Belqassim's roof?

6. How do the merchants treat Kit when they reach the end of their travels?

7. How do Kit and Tunner reunite?

8. How does Port battle his slip into madness before he dies?

9. How does Kit react when she sees a caravan of men making their way through desert?

10. How does the American embassy propose getting Kit back home to America?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At the opening of the novel, Port meets a young prostitute named Marhnia who tells him a story about three women in the Sahara. First, describe the fable Marhnia tells Port in her tent. Then, explain which character you think the story of the prostitute most closely ties to, and why. What symbolism can be found in Marhnia's story that is also reflected in the stories of one of the characters in the novel, The Sheltering Sky?

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the novel, Port has two very disturbing reoccurring dreams. First, describe the dream Port has at the opening of the novel. Then, compare/contrast this dream to the dream Port has right before he passes away. What is the same about these dreams? What is different? Explain how these two dreams foreshadowed events of Port's life citing examples from the text to strengthen your argument.

Essay Topic 3

Eric Lyle and his mother prove to be important catalysts propelling change in the characters of the novel. First, describe Eric Lyle and his mother. What aspects of their characters are called into question as the novel progresses? What is the true identity of Eric and Mrs. Lyle? How does the truth about their characters come to light?

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