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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. How do the boys travel when they go to join the mob burning books?

2. How did Clara actually meet Ryan?

3. What does "Satyagraha" mean?

4. What does Samad insist on retrieving from the house before they head to the Jones'?

5. What is Archie's job?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Samad reveal to Archie about his upcoming marriage?

2. How does Clara's speech change when she is excited?

3. In Clara's perspective, what does "dealing with" Ryan consist of?

4. What argument does Neena have with Alsana?

5. What is it that Samad says that brings Katie Miniver, chairwoman of the school governors, to the brink of tears?

6. How does the Pakistani community react to Magid's having been sent away?

7. Describe the difference between Millat and Magid Iqbal.

8. Who is Mad Mary?

9. Describe the conditions in which Archie Jones and Samad Iqbal met.

10. How does Samad defuse the situation with Mad Mary in the church courtyard?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the conflicts that looms large through the second part of the novel is that of science vs. religion. Discuss the development of this conflict and explain its importance to the story.

Essay Topic 2

Several of Smith's male characters have aspirations to being heroes. Choose two characters and compare and contrast their feelings about heroism and what, if anything, they do to achieve that status.

Essay Topic 3

Religion plays a large part in this novel. Please choose two characters and discuss how their religion--or lack of same--affects their life and story, and how it corresponds with their identity.

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