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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 tries to talk Sid out of going on the picnic?

2. Who has a birthday party at the beginning of Part 2: Chapter 2?

3. What does Charity have trouble cooking for the group?

4. What job does Larry have?

5. What has Charity refused to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Charity managing her illness?

2. To what does Larry compare the drowning mouse he comes across while searching for Sid?

3. How do the Charity, Sid and Sally remain in character when facing Charity's imminent death?

4. How does the author extend the Adam and Eve metaphor in this chapter?

5. How do Sally's memories provide a different perspective about Charity for Hallie?

6. Explain how Charity's simplistic view of life is in contrast to both Sid and the Langs?

7. What plans has Charity made for her family for after her death?

8. Explain the method that Sally has of categorizing her memories.

9. Why does Sid not want to go on the family picnic?

10. How is Charity able to assert some control over Larry's life while her own husband resists her attempts?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Larry's job loss is an opportunity for Charity to work her connections to find him a job. Why is Larry open to Charity's help when her own husband rejects all her attempts to further his career? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the state of Sid's barn wood shop and home office. How does the state of his rooms mirror the state of his spirit? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

It seems as if Charity has every privilege and advantage in life and encounters almost no challenges while Sally has to struggle in fundamental things like giving birth and walking. Why does the author characterize these two women in these ways? What points is he trying to make?

(see the answer keys)

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