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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. Who does Nora frequently call to check on the investigation into her father's death?

2. What name does Jeremy see on the board at the police station that makes him stop cold?

3. What school did Nora attend as a child?

4. What does Nora's mother often say to her throughout the years?

5. What play does Nora go to see her niece and nephew in?

Short Essay Questions

1. What early embarrassing experience does Maryam have in trying to speak to a stranger and make friends in Part I, during her early days in America?

2. Why does Nora get upset at Salma's husband Tareq for his suggestions early in Part I?

3. What is the condition Jeremy places on bailing Fierro out of jail?

4. What does Nora tell Jeremy that she feels about the money her father left her in Part II?

5. What does Maryam do in the period that Nora thinks of as the "Cold War" phase of her parents' relationship?

6. Why does Nora spend so much time at her father's cabin in Part II?

7. Why does Efrain hesitate to go the police as a witness to the hit-and-run?

8. What is the basis of Jeremy's friendship with Fierro?

9. Why does Coleman move to a Mojave Desert town?

10. Why is Coleman uncomfortable talking to Murphy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why does Efrain finally decide to come forward to tell his story as a witness to Driss's death? What does Lalami use Efrain's experiences and feelings to reveal about a poor immigrant's experience in America? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 2

What are the most significant factors and feelings within the strong rivalry between Salma and Nora? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 3

Why do you think Lalami chose to write this book from the perspectives of many different characters, and what effect does this choice have on the reader? Write an essay explaining your answers.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 653 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample