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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 does Mikey feel when he thinks about Kate naked?

2. Where was Silas being held during Du Boise's encounter with Lydia?

3. How does Mikey's sister react when he secretly phones her to catch up?

4. Which of Kafka's books is Mikey currently reading?

5. After reading that he is the product of a rape, who is the first person Mikey calls?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why can't Gracie sleep at night?

2. How does Silas react to seeing Lydia's injuries after she steps on the broken glass?

3. What family arrives at Lydia's hospital bedside, and how do they get there?

4. As an adult looking back, how does Mikey describe his relationship with his mother as a child?

5. Why does Mikey travel to Shirley Graham's home and what is her reaction to hosting him?

6. What unusual event happens when Silas is at the grocery store at the opening of the novel?

7. How does Silas react to the news that Du Boise is back in town?

8. How does the Ali family react to Silas's seizure?

9. Why is Lydia frustrated with Mikey when she returns from the hospital, and what is his reaction to her frustration?

10. What memories does Silas have of his father, and his father dying?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Although Du Boise is not present in most of the text, his character proves to be one of the most influential characters in the novel. Briefly describe Du Boise as he is presented in the text, and explain how one action in his life has so deeply affected all the members of the Ali family.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the second half of the text, Mikey is performing a "separation" of his own, getting rid of all the men he believes deserve to die in South Africa. Explain what criteria Mikey uses in selecting his murder victims, and then explain how each of the murders shapes Mikey as he matures into manhood.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the novel, Silas struggles to reconnect to his wife, Lydia, but finds himself unable, or unwilling, to reach her. Give two examples of times in the novel when Silas tries to reach out to his wife but fails. Then, briefly explain why each of his attempts fails. What hidden demons continue to haunt Silas in his marriage?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 941 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample