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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. While Esther tries to run to the plane, who gets in a fight at the airport?

2. Who does Rachel want to know is in her apartment?

3. When Mondaugen feels sick, what does Gondolphin think he has?

4. Where is Fausto Maijstral in Chapter 11?

5. Why is Stencil afraid of going to Malta?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Stencil afraid to go to Malta?

2. What is Paola's relationship with men in Chapter 8?

3. Why are the members of the Whole Sick Crew not bothered by police arrests?

4. What does Kurt Mondaugen witness in 1922 while in Africa?

5. How does fate appear to intervene in the life of Benny Profane in Chapter 8?

6. When Fausto changes his personality, what is the role that he assumes?

7. Why does Paola masquerade as Ruby?

8. How is Benny Profane's "yo-yo" behavior different from that of the Whole Sick Crew?

9. How does V. appear in Chapter 9 and what does this say about her or her role?

10. Why is Fina leaving New York?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of loss. Identify at least two themes about loss in the stories. Then cite an example to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Select three characters from any of the stories other than V. and project into the future ten years and write a brief synopsis for their lives. Be sure to include emotional states as well as physical characteristics, geographic locations, work, hobbies, socialization, etc.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the role of women in Virginia in the1950s when the women in the stories are living their lives. What precedents do they feel compelled to follow? What restrictions do they have? What freedoms did they have that 21st century women may not have?

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