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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the outcome of Sissie's parents bickering at the tavern in the first summer?
(a) Sissie's father takes the boys in the boat.
(b) Sissie's aunt begins crying.
(c) Sissie's mother takes Sissie back home.
(d) Nothing.

2. Who joins Sissie's family as they sit in the first summer?
(a) A mysterious man.
(b) Her aunt and uncle.
(c) Her parents' friends.
(d) A group of children.

3. According to Sissie, what color does her father's face turn as he drinks?
(a) Tan.
(b) Purple.
(c) Red.
(d) White.

4. What is the bird stuck in?
(a) In a discarded net.
(b) Scum in the water.
(c) A piece of trash.
(d) Mud.

5. Which of the following describes the setting of the book?
(a) A tavern in a neighborhood.
(b) A tavern on a lake.
(c) An tavern by the ocean.
(d) An urban tavern.

Short Answer Questions

1. How many brothers does Sissie have?

2. Whom does Sissie most want to help?

3. In what body part does Sissie see similarity between her father and Jerry?

4. What is Jimmy's occupation?

5. What do the women in Sissie's narrations often wear?

Short Essay Questions

1. In "Four Summers", what role are women meant to play? How does Sissie feel about this?

2. Is Sissie an innocent character in the beginning of the story? Why or why not?

3. Why does Sissie get angry when she sees the mysterious man at the bar as an adult?

4. Why does Sissie feel that she is a burden in Part 3? How does this make her feel?

5. When Sissie sees her father throwing up, why is she afraid?

6. What does Sissie regret in her past?

7. Is Sissie justified in being angry with her parents in Part 3? Why or why not?

8. Describe Sissie's mother in the beginning of the story.

9. How does Sissie view her father in Part 2? How does this compare to Jerry's view of their father?

10. Compare and contrast Jerry and his father.

(see the answer keys)

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