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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. Which child does Harry find most unhelpful around the house?

2. What story does Frieda tell Olympia about a 17-year-old Harry?

3. Where is Harry a judge?

4. What has happened to Frieda?

5. Who does Harry think is in the den?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the family celebrate Christmas and Chanukah?

2. Why does Harry feel bad for not helping Olympia?

3. Why is Steve coming to the ball?

4. Why is Olympia so thankful to see Charlie in Chapter 6?

5. Why is Virginia upset at the end of Chapter 7?

6. What happens to Max that makes life more difficult for Olympia right before the ball?

7. What causes Virginia to think she fails her exams?

8. What happens to Frieda that adds to Olympia's stress?

9. Why is Harry unable to be helpful at home?

10. What does Olympia have to run out to buy for Virginia at the beginning of Chapter 8?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The term "coming out" has multiple meanings in the story. Define what it means to come out. Explain two examples of characters who had some sort of "coming out" experience. Show their growth and explain how coming out made them develop as a character.

Essay Topic 2

Veronica and Virginia, although sisters, are very different girls. Provide three similarities and differences in the characters, and determine which one you would rather be like, and explain why.

Essay Topic 3

College is a time of experimentation and growing up, as Veronica, Virginia and Charlie learn all too well. Using examples from the story, explain how each adult child "grew up" or "experimented" while in college.

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