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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. Who is the inspiration for the man in the sub novel?

2. How does the woman's dream begin?

3. Where does Iris find the things Laura had stashed away at Avilion?

4. Who is the inspiration for the woman in the sub novel?

5. What does the man say all stories are about in some way?

Short Essay Questions

1. According to chapter 13, what pact had Laura made with God?

2. What is the woman's attitude while aboard the cruise ship?

3. In chapter 9, how does Laura behave towards Richard?

4. According to the article at the beginning of chapter 12, what are Richard's views about Germany?

5. Why is Laura kicked out of her school?

6. According to chapter 10, what is the political climate in Spain?

7. How does Aimee respond to Iris's decision?

8. At the end of the chapter, Iris hears something outside her window. What does she think it is and what is it really?

9. Why do you think Iris has 'The Blind Assassin' published?

10. In chapter 10, the woman goes and buys a copy of the man's story about the Lizard Men of Xenor. How does the printed story differ from the story the man has told the woman?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In many ways, the man's story in 'The Blind Assassin' is his way of telling the woman how he feels about the society in which they live. Explain the significance of each of the man's stories in terms of what universal truth or social commentary he is attempting to communicate to the woman with the story. What people or groups of people do the characters in the man's stories represent? Why does the man use stories to convey his beliefs rather than a more straightforward form?

Essay Topic 2

Though Port Ticonderoga is fictional, it is in many ways instrumental to the story of the Chase sisters' early life. Explain the significance of Port Ticonderoga and its history in relation to the story of the downfall of the Chase family dynasty. In what ways does having a fictional setting add to the novel and in what ways does it detract?

Essay Topic 3

At any point in the novel, the political climate often directly affects the lives of the characters. How does the changing political climate affect the story? Consider the effects of such events as the stock market crash, labor strikes, World Wars I and II, and the Spanish Civil War.

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