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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. How does Mr. Schmidt define the term "ideologue"?

2. What does Sabeen's father do for work?

3. What class does Mr. Schmidt teach?

4. What action does Pop demand be taken when Deja says that the school is teaching her about 9/11?

5. For what reason is Deja embarrassed when she must remove her shoes in the entryway of Sabeen's home?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the connection between Pop's briefcase and Deja's realization that "Pop survived 9/11" (146)?

2. What is demonstrated about Deja's character arc when she says, "I feel like I've passed the biggest test. Just by being me" (114)?

3. What is Deja's reason for feeling that she must skip school in order to visit the 9/11 Memorial on a weekday?

4. What are Sabeen's experiences with racism and Islamophobia?

5. What are Deja's ideas about what each member of her family needs in order to be happy?

6. What is the significance of Deja's realization that "History is alive" (101)?

7. What is the symbolism of mourning doves within the narrative?

8. What is the symbolism of the Avalon Family Shelter's pancakes?

9. How is the theme of guilt brought up within the dinner at Sabeen's house?

10. To what location is Deja referring when she says to Ben, "I've got to go see it. I've got to walk across the bridge" (165)?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

William Faulkner once famously claimed that the most important literature deals with the subject of the human heart in conflict with itself. Explain how the theme of Human versus Self is demonstrated within Jewell Parker Rhodes's novel Towers Falling. Create a decisive, arguable claim and prove it with quotes from the book.

Essay Topic 2

What is the author's message regarding patriotism in Jewell Parker Rhodes's novel Towers Falling and what themes does the author employ in order to send these messages to the reader?

Essay Topic 3

Look carefully at the passages of the novel that describe the close relationship among Deja, Ben, and Sabeen. What is the author's purpose for discussing at length the nature of the connection among these three friends?

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This section contains 1,056 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample