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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. To what does Bouchalka compare the cakes served at Cressida's home?

2. What does Cressida tell others about why Bouchalka does not accompany her on tour in the Spring?

3. What suggests that the violin player is either overly excited or dramatic?

4. What does Carrie find at Cressida's home the next time she is there?

5. Why does Cressida take Bouchalka aside to converse with him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

An entire section of this story is devoted to an in-depth accounting of Cressida's relationship with Bouchalka, the Bohemian. Answer the following questions in a well-developed essay using detailed examples from the book and from your own life experience:

1. Briefly describe how Cressida meets Bouchalka and the development of their romance.

2. Does Bouchalka seem totally devoted to composing when he is first described? Why or why not?

3. Why do you think Bouchalka lost his motivation to compose once he was no longer "hungry"?

4. Do you think Bouchalka would have continued his career as an excellent composer if he had not become a "kept" man?

Essay Topic 2

At the end of the section concerning Bouchalka, Cressida divorces him when she finds him engaged in sexual relations with the cook. Choose one of the following topics and write a well-developed essay using detailed examples from the book and from your own life experience:

1. Should Cressida have forgiven Bouchalka and continued in the marriage? Why or Why not? Do you think if she had, Bouchalka would have stay faithful? Why or why not?

2. Is it realistic to expect a long-term relationship to be absolutely monogamous? Why or Why not? What are the benefits of monogamy? The cons?

3. Some couples choose to have an open relationship and accept that his/her partner will sometimes have other sexual liaisons. Is this a workable way to conduct a relationship? What are the pros and cons to such an arrangement?

Essay Topic 3

Cressida's professional life was quite successful; however, her personal life is a mess. This often seems to be the case among artists, especially celebrities. Choose one of the following topics and write a well-developed essay using detailed examples from the book and from your own life experience.

1. Compare and contrast Cressida's personal life with her professional life.

2. Compare and contrast 2 real-life celebrities' professional and personal lives (in as much as is reported about them).

3. Write an instructive essay on how one can maintain both a healthy private and professional life at the same time.

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