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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. Why does Sabine like her visit so far with Parsifal's family?

2. What does Howard tell Sabine when he encounters her outside the Fetter home?

3. What does Dot do when Kitty and her family go home?

4. Which family member do the others avoid at dinner at the Fetters home?

5. What is Sabine ready to do now?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Kitty returning home for awhile and how do Dot and Sabine view this differently?

2. What is so unique about Sabine's trip to Wal-Mart?

3. What makes Sabine think about her father when Kitty speaks to her about her own boys?

4. How does Sabine finally understand why Parsifal had to escape his past?

5. Why does Sabine realize a newfound respect for Howard?

6. Who is Howard Plate and what can be assumed by his behavior?

7. How is Parsifal's true past so different from the one Sabine had always envisioned?

8. What does Sabine tell her parents about her visit with the Fetters family so far?

9. What is Sabine's dream as she naps with Kitty?

10. How does Sabine come to realize that Parsifal had had a hard life long before she met him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Patchett is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphors, and irony, briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

Essay Topic 2

Does Patchett end the story on a note of hope for Sabine or the continuance of her struggle to come to terms with the loss of Parsifal in her life? Give your perspective and two reasons to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

THE MAGICIAN'S ASSISTANT is a classic story of loss and renewal. What does that classification entail? Why does this novel fit into this category? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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