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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 Paul tell Glavanis and Eycken to do?

2. What does Tom have to rent?

3. What is important in Asia?

4. What architecture does Paul fix in his mind?

5. What kind of skier is Molly?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to Luong's killers?

2. What does Ruiz tell Paul about the recruiting of Oswald?

3. What are some indications that Paul is feeling nervous or stressed?

4. How does the evening with Tom and Sybille go for Paul and Molly and what slightly mars the evening?

5. Who does Paul select for breaking Frankie Pigeon and how does he motivate one of the two men?

6. Why is Paul glad he is alone?

7. Briefly sum up Molly's week with the Websters.

8. Describe Yu Lung.

9. With whom does Paul meet and upon what does Paul's report focus?

10. What happens to all the Cubans but Ruiz and why not Ruiz? What does Nsango ask about Ruiz?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Chapter 5, before Paul heads for Vietnam, he buys Molly a new ring. By the end of the book, Molly is wearing five rings that Paul has bought her. Discuss the following:

1. Trace and analyze the times Paul has bought Molly a ring and what each time might symbolize. Do you think each ring symbolizes the same thing or does Paul buy each ring for a different reason each time?

2. Trace and analyze the relationship between Molly and Paul. How is the relationship similar to that of his marriage? How is it different? Does Paul see this relationship as serious even though he tells Sybille he does not think he and Molly will marry? Can a relationship that does not involve marriage be as binding as that of a marriage? As serious? As fulfilling?

3. Paul suggests at the end of the novel that Molly has taught him to feel again. What are the reasons that Paul stops feeling? How does Molly teach Paul to feel again? Do you think they will eventually marry? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 2

In Chapter 7, when Paul declares he will resume his work, Ho mocks his bravado, but the Truong toc shows Paul Molly's picture, taken in Rome. Discuss the following:

1. Why it is more effective to threaten Paul with Molly's safety than his own? Do you think this is often the case for humans--i.e., that threats to their loved ones to illicit compliance is more effective than threats to one's own self?

2. Sybille Webster is angry that Paul is determined to stay with Molly because she thinks it endangers both of them. Do you think she is right to be angry? Do you think it is up to Molly whether she wants to risk death if she stays with Paul? Would it be right for Paul to make that decision for Molly? Discuss fully with details from the book.

3. Sybille Webster is also angry that Paul decides to investigate JFK's murder because it puts Paul's life at risk. Why do you think Paul thinks his life is worth knowing the truth? Do you think the truth is worth the lives that are lost in finding it? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 3

There are a number of themes developed throughout the novel. Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of politics as presented in the novel. Include a discussion of the following questions: Which characters seem most involved in acting out of a concern for politics? Which ones seem to dismiss politics as a reason for actions? How does the political climate inform the main characters' actions? What do you think is the implied belief about politics in the novel? Use specific examples to develop your essay.

2. Trace and analyze the theme of power as presented in the novel. Include a discussion of the following questions: How would you define power as a concept developed in this novel? Do the powerful hold all the "chips"? How do those with less power manage to ignore or circumvent the restrictions/requirements placed upon them by those with greater power? Is power ever used for ethical goals in the novel? For unethical goals? Which characters wield the most power in The Tears of Autumn? Which characters have the least power? How does the amount of power each character wields affect their lives and their impact on the plot?

(see the answer keys)

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