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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 does Theo tell Hobie his father’s occupation used to be in Chapter 4: “Morphine Lollipop”?

2. Who was the painter The Goldfinch?

3. Where do the social workers tell Theo his mother’s body is being held in Chapter 3: “Park Avenue”?

4. What job did Theo’s mother work at part-time after coming to New York?

5. Who is Theo’s Honors English teacher in Chapter 5: “Badr al-Dine”?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where is Pippa being taken in Chapter 4: “Morphine Lollipop”? Why? How does Pippa feel about her circumstances?

2. How does Theo describe his father’s “newfound” addictions and behavior in Chapter 5: “Badr al-Dine”?

3. How does Theo come to be in possession of the ring and painting in Chapter 1: “Boy with a Skull”?

4. Who questions Theo once he returns to school in Chapter 3: “Park Avenue”? How is this scenario described?

5. What obstacle appears in Theo’s and Boris’s friendship in Chapter 6: “Wind, Sand and Stars”?

6. Who is the narrator of the novel? What are the current circumstances of the narrator in Chapter 1: “Boy with a Skull”?

7. What themes are central in Chapter 5: “Badr al-Dine”? How are these themes illuminated?

8. What do Theo and Hobie discuss on Theo’s first visit in Chapter 4: “Morphine Lollipop”?

9. How does Theo’s father behave toward Theo in Chapter 6: “Wind, Sand and Stars”?

10. What psychological disorder does Theo’s father display the characteristics of, as seen in Chapter 2: “The Anatomy Lesson”?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and analyze the character of Andy Barbour in the novel. For how long has Theo known Andy? Why does Theo give the social workers Andy’s phone number when they ask him if he knows someone he might stay with? How do Andy and Theo differ as characters?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze and discuss the character of Audrey Decker (Theo’s mother) in The Goldfinch. How does Theo feel about his mother? What is their relationship like? Why is Theo in trouble on the day that his mother dies? How does Theo describe his mother’s past?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the legalities of Theo’s situation following the death of his mother. Who would be the first person(s) in this situation to take guardianship of Theo? Why is Theo’s case complicated due to his father’ absence?

(see the answer keys)

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