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. How does Rose Williams refer to herself when speaking about herself to other British intelligence agents during her missions?

2. What name is Marsh Felon sometimes known by?

3. What does Rose's father call Marsh Felon due to rumors he has heard about him?

4. Where do Rose and Marsh Felon have their only sexually intimate encounter?

5. What is Mr. Malakite's disposition?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Nathaniel eventually learn about the exact way in which his mother died?

2. What kind of work does Marsh Felon do besides his work for the British Intelligence Service?

3. How does Nathaniel feel about The Darter after their meeting as adults, when Nathaniel finally tracks The Darter down?

4. What kind of a relationship does Marsh Felon have with his own family as an adult?

5. Why did American Airmen stationed in The Saints area during the war constantly get lost there?

6. How is Rose Williams' death noted in the press?

7. How do others in the British Intelligence Service seem to view Marsh Felon?

8. Who is the boy on the roof and why is he important in Rose's life?

9. What does Nathaniel find between the pages of a book in his mother's house that intrigues him?

10. Why is Nathaniel interested in the sea pea plant?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay analyzing how Nathaniel's childhood and his separation from both of his parents seems to affect his relationships as an adult. Who are the people Nathaniel seems closely connected to in his adult life?

Essay Topic 2

Why do you think Rose is reluctant to tell Nathaniel much about her time working for British Intelligence during and after the war, even long after the war's end when Nathaniel is a young adult? Rose will reveal small pieces of information about hers and others' work, as on page 166, when she tells him Olive Lawrence was more than just an ethnographer, but she stops short of giving much detailed information. Write an essay exploring this topic, citing specific references to the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 791 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample