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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. What message does the poster of the cell phone video leave at the end of the clip on the internet?

2. How does Paul respond when Serge tries to calm him down on the night Serge and Babette are at Paul's house for dinner?

3. What do Paul and Claire see on the news?

4. How does Paul manage the symptoms of his disease?

5. Paul notes in Chapter 36 that both he and Michel have a dislike for what?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Paul deal with Michel while Claire is ill?

2. What is a flashback? How are flashbacks used in The Dinner?

3. What advice does Paul give to Michel in Chapter 23? Why?

4. What response does Claire have as she and Paul watch the surveillance video on television?

5. How does Paul set up dinners for he and Michel while Claire is in the hospital?

6. What justificaton is given for the boys' actions in Chapter 21?

7. What is clear about the behavior and actions of the perpetrators in the security video Paul watches on the news?

8. What does Paul consider about children when speaking with the psychologist in Chapter 31?

9. What comes about in the discussion between Paul and Claire regarding a second child?

10. Why does Serge and Babette come to Paul's home when Claire is in the hospital? How does Paul respond?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the themes of of race and class privilege as explored in The Dinner. How are these themes developed through character, action, circumstances, and symbolism? How would the events and circumstances of the novel differ if the characters were not affluent and white?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Paul's history of violence that is revealed through the course of the narrative. When did Paul begin exhibiting violent behavior? What is revealed to be the root of Paul's violence? What is the significance of Paul's violence to the novel's plot?

Essay Topic 3

Explore Paul's and Serge's career paths. What does it take to succeed in politics vs. the classroom? What skills does one have that the other lacks? What skills and strengths do they share?

(see the answer keys)

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