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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. The narrator states that the view from any point between that of the frog and the bird "just leads to" (178) what?

2. The Day of the Dead is a festival that lasts for what length of time?

3. After Verheyen's recovery, he shows a remarkable talent for practicing what skill?

4. The narrator describes the nocturnal brain using an allusion to which mythological figure?

5. What year is depicted when the vignette first joins Philip Verheyen?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the theme of obsession arise within the story about Verheyen?

2. How does Tokarczuk use postcards as a symbol?

3. What had the woman in rags been mumbling to Annushka when Annushka became frightened?

4. How does Tokarczuk present the theme of being present within the vignette entitled “Irkutsk-Moscow”?

5. What country does the unnamed narrator say is the perfect place for observing people and why?

6. In what way does the theme of compassion arise within Annushka's story?

7. What object does Tokarczuk use in a metaphor characterizing the nocturnal brain and why?

8. In what way does the unnamed narrator show an affinity for secrecy?

9. In what way does the theme of regret appear within the story of Van Horssen and his mentor Verheyen?

10. Discuss the unnamed narrator's feelings about languages and secrecy.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Determine Tokarczuk’s message within the novel Flights regarding the idea of pilgrims and pilgrimage.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the instances of irony within the narrative of Flights and analyze Tokarczuk’s purpose for including each instance you discuss.

Essay Topic 3

How do the themes of deception and secrecy function within Flights and what is Tokarczuk’s message regarding these themes?

(see the answer keys)

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