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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. When did Philip Ondaatje die?

2. How old was the fort, where the old governor's home was located?

3. How often would Philip Ondaatje travel to England?

4. How long had it been since Michael had been in Ceylon?

5. What dance was perfected on a rock at Gasanawa?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the engagement ring that Mervyn bought for Doris and Gratiaen and how it was paid for.

2. Why was it difficult for Mervyn's father to argue with Mervyn?

3. What happened at Philip Ondaatje's funeral?

4. What transpired when Simon Ondaatje and his brothers would gather on Sunday mornings?

5. What did Lalla look like when she was at the racetrack?

6. When did Michael's parents' generation grow up?

7. Under what condition, did a friend tell Michael that he seemed to know exactly what he wanted?

8. What were the occupations of Simon Ondaatje and his brothers?

9. How did Michael eat the curry he had for lunch at the old governor's home?

10. In the introduction to Chapter 1, what nightmare did Michael experience?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Michael described Kuttapitiya, the last estate where he and his siblings lived as children. Discuss Kuttapitiya and the Ondaatje's life there.

Essay Topic 2

Mervyn struggled with dipsomania. Discuss dipsomania and how it affected Mervyn and his family.

Essay Topic 3

Michael said that in Ceylon all classes of people gambled. Discuss the role of gambling in Ceylon.

(see the answer keys)

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