View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why did Eduard's mother begin to worry about him?

2. What happened to Eduard while he was riding to see his girlfriend in his flashback?

3. Who is the third person in the room with Eduard and Veronika?

4. What was Mari's former profession?

5. Which character believes Villete is easily escaped?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Veronika change her mind about wanting to see her mother?

2. What happened to Mari's career after her panic attacks started?

3. Why is Veronika unable to accept the stimulants Dr. Igor offers?

4. Why did Eduard hate living in Brazil while he was growing up?

5. Why did Mari refuse to go to the hospital when she first had a panic attack?

6. Why does Veronika regret not living a little "crazier"?

7. Why are most deaths in Villete sudden?

8. How does Veronika feel when she listens to the Sufi flute music?

9. Why does Veronika question her sexuality and whether she has had a true orgasm?

10. What is Mari's belief for why Veronika has been playing the piano more and more frequently?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The doctors and nurses of Villete play a very important role in the plot of Veronika Decides to Die. However, none of these characters are given names other than Dr. Igor. Write an essay that explains why the author, Paulo Coelho, chose not to name the doctors and nurses of Villete. What are some of the responsibilities of the doctors and nurses? Do they ever object to the orders they are given? Are there times when they question the orders of their boss, Dr. Igor?

Essay Topic 2

Religion is a prevalent theme throughout Veronika Decides to Die. The Fraternity invites a guest speaker, the Sufi master, to lecture at Villete. Later on, Veronika and Eduard debate the meaning of the "Our Lady" painting. Write an essay that explores the role religion plays within the context of the story. What is Sufism and why is it important to the members of The Fraternity? Why do they invite the Sufi master as a guest speaker? How does this contrast to the later debate Veronika and Eduard have over the "Our Lady" painting? What does the painting mean to each of them? What would the characters of the story be like without religion?

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)

This section contains 872 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample