"The Lost Language of Cranes" Quiz
A young man’s coming out forces his parents to confront their own secrets and the complexities of love and identity in 1980s New York City.
fiction | 368 pages | Published in 2014
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Test your knowledge about the book "The Lost Language of Cranes". We have come up with 10 quiz questions for the book. Hit play and start testing your knowledge. Each correctly answered question gives one point.
10 questions available
Essay questions
These essay questions are meant to be used as a starting point for your essay or research paper.
- Discuss the role of secrecy and revelation in 'The Lost Language of Cranes.' How do the characters' secrets shape their relationships and identities?
- Analyze the portrayal of family dynamics in the novel. How do generational differences impact the characters' ability to communicate?
- Explore the theme of language, both literal and metaphorical, in 'The Lost Language of Cranes.' How does the title relate to the experiences of the main characters?
- Examine the process of coming out for Philip. How does his journey affect those around him and reflect broader societal attitudes of the time?
- Discuss the significance of place—New York City and the characters’ apartments—in shaping the identities and experiences of the characters.
- How does the novel address the concept of loneliness? In what ways do the characters attempt to confront or escape their isolation?
- Analyze Owen’s character and his struggle with sexual identity. How do his choices compare and contrast with Philip’s?
- Discuss Rose’s perspective and response to the revelations within her family. How does her experience reflect or challenge traditional expectations of gender and marriage?
- Consider the role of literature and media (such as children’s books, television, and pornography) in the novel. How do these forms of communication influence the characters’ understanding of themselves?
- How does David Leavitt depict the intersection of private and public lives in the novel? What are the consequences for characters who blur these boundaries?
- Examine the motif of cranes and lost languages. What do they symbolize in relation to the characters’ struggles with self-expression and connection?
- Discuss the portrayal of generational trauma and inherited behaviors in the novel. How do the parents’ actions and choices affect their children?
- How does the novel critique or reinforce ideas about masculinity and femininity?
- Analyze the structure of the novel. How does Leavitt’s use of multiple perspectives enhance the narrative?
- To what extent is 'The Lost Language of Cranes' a story about acceptance—of oneself, of others, and of change? Support your argument with examples from the text.
