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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 Coleman's son Miles talk about incessantly in Part III?

2. What is one reason A.J. moves back to his hometown?

3. What does Fierro ask Jeremy about Nora in Part IV that he resents and does not answer?

4. Where does Nora get a rejection from in Part III?

5. What sport had A.J. liked in high school?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Coleman increasingly worried about Miles in Part III?

2. How does Maryam feel about the diner?

3. Why does Nora become committed to the idea of running The Pantry in Part IV?

4. What does Nora do after sleeping with Jeremy for the first time that shocks and upsets him?

5. In Part IV, why does Jeremy ask Coleman about the investigation?

6. In Part IV, what is one factor in Efrain coming forwards as a witness?

7. What does Miles tell Coleman in Part III that really hurts her?

8. Why is Nora angry with Salma about Anderson Baker's court appearance?

9. What specific piece of information does Efrain have that strengthens the case against Baker?

10. What do Jeremy and Nora do when he comes to her house for the first time on his own in Part III?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The reader learns about Driss's dishonesty and infidelity to Maryam as the plot progresses, but when and how does Lalami reveal Maryam's own dishonesty in the relationship, and how does this affect the reader's perception of her? Write an essay explaining your answers.

Essay Topic 2

How does Lalami establish and maintain suspense throughout this novel? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 3

How does Lalami communicate the disappointments and betrayals of different characters in this novel? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 626 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample