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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. Which of the following is NOT something Silas feels he is completely incapable of doing with his family?

2. How does Michael get to the city center when he goes in search of his past?

3. Which of the following characters is NOT one that Lydia has as a dance partner during the party?

4. Whom does Michael bribe to say that he was not in the vicinity of Du Boise's murder, should the police ask?

5. In what country did Silas apply to be an ambassador?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Michael finally comes face-to-face with Du Boise in the shopping mall?

2. How does Lydia's life change after she returns from the hospital?

3. How does Silas feel when he knows that Lydia has left him for good this time?

4. How does Lydia react to the news that Du Boise is dead?

5. How does Silas react to Lydia's birthday gift to him?

6. How did Ouma Angel die?

7. How did Ali Ali end up living in South Africa?

8. What measures has Lydia taken to ensure that she will be able to escape from her family and relocate in Cape Town?

9. How does Michael come into possession of the gun he will use to kill Vinu's father?

10. Why does Michael travel back to the city where he grew up?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel, Silas's two work friends, Kate and Julian, have a large effect on the problems that happen in the Ali family. Briefly describe both Kate and Julian's characters as well as their relationships to Silas. Then, give one example for the ways each of these characters irrevocably change the relationships in the Ali family, leading toward their inevitable demise.

Essay Topic 2

Silas's fiftieth birthday party proves to be the moment when the entire Ali family realizes that their bonds have completely disintegrated. Explain the events of the night of Silas's birthday party, and the reactions that each family member, Silas, Lydia, and Mikey, has to each of these events, and how they know their family never will be the same again.

Essay Topic 3

In their friendship, Vinu's story of abuse greatly affected Mikey's psyche. Describe the abuse that Vinu endured as a child, and explain why this story has such a profound effect on Mikey's character. Then, explain how Mikey uses Vinu's story as practice for changing his own personal legacy, and the legacy of his mother.

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This section contains 932 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample