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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. For how many years did the apothecary spend with the hajduks before the band was largely killed, according to the narrator in Chapter 12: "The Apothecary"?

2. How old is the bride that Luka is tricked into marrying in Chapter 7: "The Butcher"?

3. What is the name of the merchant whose daughter Luka befriends and plans to marry in Chapter 7: "The Butcher"?

4. What word is described in Chapter 7: "The Butcher" as "something sacred to the entire village"?

5. What Ottoman dish of baked filled pastries made of phyllo dough is described in Chapter 11: "The Bombing"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Natalia asked to promise in the conclusion of Chapter 13: "The River"? What is her response?

2. Where did the apothecary go after Blind Orlo's death, according to the narrator in Chapter 12: "The Apothecary"? How is his life described in this setting?

3. Where does Natalia's grandfather describe going on the night he last met the Deathless Man in Chapter 11: "The Bombing"?

4. Why does Natalia say that her grandfather was unhappy at the arrival of Darisa in Galina in Chapter 9: "The Bear"?

5. What does Natalia anticipate happening when she keeps vigil overnight in Chapter 10: "The Crossroads"? What does she encounter at this setting?

6. Who is the man that Natalia follows into the abandoned village in Chapter 13: "The River"? What clues in the chapter indicate his identity?

7. What does Gavran Gaile say about the suddenness of death in Chapter 11: "The Bombing"?

8. How does Natalia describe her grandfather's legacy amongst his peers in the novel's Epilogue?

9. Who does Luka intend to marry in Chapter 7: "The Butcher"? How would you describe the basis of Luka's relationship with his fiancee?

10. What led the apothecary to attempt to help the tiger's wife, according to the narrator in Chapter 12: "The Apothecary"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the tone and mood established in the Prologue and Chapter 1: “The Coast.” How are “tone” and “mood” defined? What differentiates the two? What literary devices does the author use to establish this tone and mood? In what ways are the tone and mood related to the setting and characters introduced?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze and discuss the character of Natalia as the protagonist and narrator of the novel. How old do you perceive Natalia to be? What attributes does she exhibit in the story? What qualities in Natalia’s character relate to those of the typical protagonist? How does Natalia stand apart from the other characters in the story?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the parallels between the narrative's three male orphans. Consider and comment on the similarities in their childhood circumstances, their interests and values, their adult experiences, and the circumstances and meanings of their deaths. What has led each of these characters to be orphaned? How did their abandonment influence them growing up?

(see the answer keys)

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