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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 type of flowers are next to Paul's ashes after the funeral?

2. What sheltered the garden where Armand had died?

3. Years ago, where did Paul admire a ruined temple with his son and a group of journalists?

4. How old are the four women who travel together on the trip to Greece?

5. In 1986, where could Ralph have gotten Fenno a job interview?

Short Essay Questions

1. How long were Paul and Maureen married before they had children, and why did it take so long?

2. Who was Tony Best?

3. Why does Paul choose to go to Greece?

4. What are some sketches that Fern shows Paul?

5. How was the bookstore doing a year and a half after Ralph and Fenno opened the shop?

6. Why did Mal ask Fenno to be his health proxy?

7. What is Dennis's family like?

8. How does Fenno help Veronique at the beginning of Chapter 7?

9. What other option did Fenno have instead of opening the bookstore with Ralph?

10. How did Ralph and Fenno happen to find Armand dead at one of his bistro tables?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Fern’s friend Anna does not believe in fate, but destiny. What is the difference between fate and destiny? How does the author show that people are in charge of their lives, and that their choices lead them to the lives they are meant to have, rather than being at the mercy of fate?

Essay Topic 2

Death is a catalyst in the novel. How does Paul’s death affect Fenno? What does Fenno learn about life, family, and love because of his father’s death?

Essay Topic 3

Fenno is an angry and miserable person. What choices has Fenno made that cause him to be angry and miserable? How do his feelings affect his relationship with his family? Does he have to change before his relationship with his family can change?

(see the answer keys)

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