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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. At one of the parties she and Billy make an appearance at, Francesca runs into someone she hasn't seen since her wedding three years earlier. Who does Francesca run into?

2. When visiting with her unannounced guest, who does Francesca receive a phone call from?

3. During Nick's meeting in Cleveland with Don Forlenza, who do they decide to use as a pawn in their plan to build alliances and eventually go after Michael?

4. Who has had a stroke and therefore cannot reveal any information regarding the failed Castro assassination attempt?

5. According to Michael's plan, why will the person Michael plans to use as a puppet in the assassination plot not realize that Michael is pulling the puppet strings?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the semi-retirement arrangement that Michael tells Nick he's putting into place as he turns the day-to-day reins over to Nick.

2. Why does Fredo ultimately agree to give the Chicago mobsters information on his brother in exchange for their participation in Colma East?

3. As Chapter 20 begins, Fredo's wife implies that their marriage is simply a cover for Fredo's homosexuality. She leaves the room without incident, but then Fredo destroys everything in the room. Why?

4. When she's six months pregnant, Billy takes Francesca to various embassy and hotel parties and is very attentive to her. What does Francesca believe is motivating Billy's attentiveness?

5. While at Russo's private gambling club, Tom realizes that Russo will not let Tom leave the club alive. What tips Tom off to Russo's plan?

6. Why does Vito feel that he has no other choice but to bring Sonny into the family business?

7. Michael confesses his fears of what will happen if they are unsuccessful in gaining control of the Cuban casinos. What does Michael fear?

8. What does Michael learn on Parris Island that would prove to have a lasting impact on the people around him?

9. As the book closes, Michael is looking out his window at the New York skyline. What is Michael thinking about?

10. How has Connie changed since moving into the Corleone family compound in Lake Tahoe?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

While each Don runs his own territory and family business, all of the Dons belong to the Commission.

a. Discuss the role of the Commission in the day-to-day operations of the Corleone family business.

b. Does the Commission evolve as the story moves on?

c. How do the relationships of the Dons change as the Commission changes?

d. Is the Commission an important or an outdated institution? Be sure to explain your reasoning and support your answer with examples from the story.

Essay Topic 2

The author uses several different literary techniques as the story is told in regard to the story's flow. Describe the techniques of both flashbacks and foreshadowing. How are each of these techniques used in the story? Give specific examples of each technique. Why might the author have chosen to use both of these techniques in the story? Is the story enhanced by the use of these two techniques? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the course of the novel, Michael's relationship with two quite different women is chronicled. Compare and contrast the relationship Michael has with Kay to the relationship Michael had with Apollonia. Then, compare and contrast these two women. How do these two relationships influence not only Michael, but also the other men in the Corleone family business?

(see the answer keys)

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