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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. Who does Arthur McCash tell Nathaniel's mother he thinks is responsible for the children's attempted abduction?

2. Why does Agnes think Nathaniel does not want her to meet his parents?

3. What German word does The Moth explain to Rachel and Nathaniel that means "heavy"?

4. Where does Nathaniel go immediately after the attack at the Bark Theater?

5. Who do Rachel and Nathaniel travel on the Thames with in the section titled "The Mussel Boat"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Nathaniel particularly remember about Olive's temperament from his childhood?

2. What do The Darter and Olive Lawrence eat that is quite unusual on their first dinner date, and why does Olive agree to eat it?

3. How do Nathaniel and Rachel feel about becoming boarders at their new schools after their mother and father leave for Singapore in Chapter 1?

4. What does Nathaniel get in trouble for, that generations of boys before him have also done, at his boarding school in Chapter 1?

5. Just before Nathaniel's mother departs for Singapore, what does she start telling the children for the first time?

6. What does Olive insist that Rachel and Nathaniel do with her one evening?

7. What dramatic event occurs directly before Arthur McCash shows up in the section titled "The Mussel Boat"?

8. What does Nathaniel think he sees while dancing with Agnes one night at The White Hart club in Bromley?

9. What does Nathaniel's and Rachel's brief time alone with their mother just before she leaves for Singapore feel like for Nathaniel?

10. Why does Nathaniel come to know Agnes as Agnes?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay comparing The Darter's decision to marry Agnes/Sophie and raise her daughter with her to the decisions other agents like Marsh Felon and Rose Williams made regarding balancing their family relationships with their work for British Intelligence Services.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay analyzing Ondaatje's decision to leave Nathaniel's father, Mr. Williams, as such a vague character. How do you think the author's choice in this regard affects the reader's understanding of Nathaniel's family's dynamic?

Essay Topic 3

How does Nathaniel's conduct when he secures a job at Britain's classified archives relate to Rose's activities as a covert agent during and after WWII? Write an essay comparing and contrasting Nathaniel's and Rose's professional conduct and aims.

(see the answer keys)

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