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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 Jimmy Fioretos call to wake Milton early one morning?

2. How does Desdemona's prediction of the sex of the baby compare to it's actual sex?

3. What causes conflict between Jimmy and Lefty?

4. What does Calliope do when she she is baptized?

5. What is the "maze" that Jimmy tells Lefty women should be "shut up in"?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the narrator characterize Lefty's gradual demise?

2. Describe the narrator in Book 2, Ex Ovo Omina.

3. Describe Detroit in 1967.

4. What does Desdemona do when she hears that Milton's Navy unit will be going to war?

5. How does Jimmy Zismo change during Sourmelina's pregnancy?

6. Why does Lefty not marry either of the village girls that Desdemona attempts to set him up with?

7. Why do the Ford Sociological Department workers visit Lefty's home? What do they find that concerns them?

8. What is particular significance of Lefty and Desdemona (brother and sister) marrying for Cal/Calliope, the narrator?

9. Describe Marcus Wyxzewixard Challouehliczilczese Grimes.

10. What is the conflict between Desdemona and Lefty in the chapter "Marriage on Ice"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the themes Middlesex explores is "nature vs. nurture". Discuss what the novel has to say about this theme. Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the events that lead Calliope to decide to live her life as Cal. Then comment on his/her decision. Did s/he make the right decision? Why or why not? What would you have done if you were in the same situation?

Essay Topic 3

The influence of parents on children is a recurring topic in Middlesex. Select two of the following pairs and discuss the relationship between the parent and child. Focus your discussion on the ways the the parent does or does not influence the child's development (physical, emotional, social and intellectual). Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

1) Desdemona and Milton

2) Tessie and Calliope

3) Milton and Chapter Eleven

4) Lefty and Milton

(see the answer keys)

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