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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. Why does a soldier point a gun at Genet?

2. Why does Ghosh attach an anklet to Shiva?

3. Where does Mary Praise fall asleep while caring for the sick doctor?

4. What does Matron hold as she sits with the family during the nights?

5. What does Hema realize about the twins?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Marion's first exposure to violence against a person?

2. By the time the twins are six how are they known, and what do they realize about Shiva?

3. What is Marion and Shiva's first experience with someone dying because of not getting medical care soon enough?

4. What happens when Hema first rushes into the operating room?

5. How does the family receive word about Mebratu's coup and what is the coup like initially?

6. What happens when Dr. Stone is close to death?

7. What does Ghosh explain to the man with stomach pain, and what does he realize about the man?

8. Who does Marion run into when he gets mad at Hema and runs out of the house, and why is that person there?

9. What does Hema realize about Mary, and what does Stone do when Mary dies?

10. How does Mary end up at Missing Hospital?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss "Cutting for Stone" based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1, and then judge if "Cutting for Stone" is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider "Cutting for Stone" a successful novel? What about young teens?

Essay Topic 2

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as "Cutting for Stone" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading "Cutting for Stone"? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "Cutting for Stone" to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in "Cutting for Stone".

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of "Cutting for Stone". How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of "Cutting for Stone". How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

(see the answer keys)

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