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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. Which name did Paulo Coelho consider switching Veronika's name with?

2. Where is Paulo Coelho from?

3. What bad thing happens to Veronika in Chapter 13?

4. How long has Veronika been living on her own?

5. Which character was drafted into the army?

Short Essay Questions

1. Does Paulo Coelho sympathize with Veronika's situation?

2. Why does Veronika become angry with the computer game article?

3. What does Zedka's treatment consist of?

4. Why was Paulo Coelho put into a mental hospital as a child?

5. Why does Veronika begin to cry after her first heart attack?

6. What is Veronika's first reaction to waking up in Villete?

7. How does Veronika react whens he learns that she has a week to live?

8. Why is Veronika treated unkindly by The Fraternity members when they first meet?

9. What are some of the last things Veronika sees and hears before she falls unconscious?

10. What does Veronika think of breakfast at Villete?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Suicide is a theme critical to the plot of Veronika Decides to Die. The protagonist, Veronika, early on in the story attempts suicide. Because of this she is sent to Villete. Write an essay that explores the topic of suicide as it is presented in the story. What role does suicide play in Veronika's life and her eventual transformation? How is Veronika treated differently than the other residents of Villete because of her attempt on her life?

Essay Topic 2

The most predominant symbol in Veronika Decides to die is the piano. It is the tool that the protagonist uses to enhance her life. It gives her a reason to live again. Write an essay that explains why the piano is important to the plot of the story. When does Veronika first encounter the piano? When does she play it the most? How does the piano comfort her and give her a sense of release? Which characters enjoy her playing the most? How does it makes them feel? Do the residents of Villete love Veronika more because of her playing?

Essay Topic 3

Many of the residents of Villete suffer from some kind of mental illness. Paulo Coelho is sensitive when he touches upon the subject. He treats it with respect. Write an essay that explains how the story handles the issues associated with mental illness. Which characters in Veronika Decides to Die suffer from some type of mental illness? How did these characters come to Villete? What sort of treatment do they go through? Are they ever "cured" of their illness?

(see the answer keys)

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