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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. Right away, as the novel begins, what is clear to the reader concerning Roxane?

2. How does Roxane react to Mr. Hosokawa's apology?

3. How does Roxane Cross feel about being the only woman forced to stay?

4. When the hostages look out of the window, what do they find?

5. What is this called?

Short Essay Questions

1. As the hostages get used to their new home, what do they learn about their surroundings?

2. Why does Mr. Hosokawa feel like the hostage situation is his fault?

3. What does the accompanist's death prove to the reader?

4. How does Roxane begin to feel about Mr. Hosokawa?

5. Why does Messner become jealous of the hostages?

6. How have Ruben and Roxane adjusted into their roles in the house?

7. How old do the terrorists seem to be?

8. As time goes on, how do the hostages and terrorists start to treat one another?

9. Why is it important for Mr. Hosokawa to be at the birthday party?

10. What type of mood is set for the beginning of the novel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The theme of love and lust run deep through the pages of Bel Canto.

- How do the characters change because they are affected by love?

- How does love change people and shape their lives?

Essay Topic 2

The relationship between employers and employees is not universal and truly based on the people involved in the relationship.

- How would you characterize Gen and Hosowaka's relationship at the beginning of the novel?

- By the end of the novel, what has happened to their relationship? Have they gotten closer to one another?

Essay Topic 3

As Messner visits the house for the last time, he warns Gen that the government has figured out a solution to the problem of the terrorists.

Why does Gen blatantly ignore the warning?

How could Gen have warned everyone and possibly saved Carmen's life?

Do you think everyone in the house is responsible for outcome of the siege?

(see the answer keys)

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