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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. How many dolls total are left on the front step of the Brandt household?

2. What color are Johannes's eyes?

3. For how many years has Johannes had Rezeki at the time of her death?

4. What reason does Marin give Nella when she tells Nella not to follow Johannes to the Stadhuis?

5. Whom does Nella try to convince to retrieve the doll thrown into the street by Marin?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when the militia arrives in Part Three: "Horseshoe"?

2. What does Marin say the truth is about Frans and her in the past in Part Four: “Verkeerspel"?

3. How is the theme of transformation referenced in the scene after Rezeki's death?

4. What is the significance of the loaf of sugar that Agnes's doll holds in its hand?

5. When Nella detects a tenderness and genuine friendship developing between herself and Johannes, what is her reaction?

6. What admissions does Marin make to Nella in Part Three: “Hidden Bodies"?

7. What is Marin about to do when Nella enters her room in Part Three: “Hidden Bodies"? Why?

8. When Nella receives eight dolls from the miniaturist, what two items is the doll made in her own likeness holding in its tiny hands? What is the significance of each item?

9. Where does Nella go in Part Four: "Spores"? Why?

10. Why do Nella and Marin argue in Part Four: “Verkeerspel"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose three symbols used by the author to transmit a particular thematic message. Discuss the author's purpose in depicting each object within the narrative.

Essay Topic 2

William Faulkner once famously claimed that the most important literature deals with the subject of the human heart in conflict with itself. Explain how the theme of Individual versus Society is demonstrated within Jessie Burton's The Miniaturist.

Essay Topic 3

How do the themes of deception and secrecy function within the novel and what is the author's message regarding these themes?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 956 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample