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1. In "White Socks in a Pantyhose World," what did Bombeck worry about?

Bombeck found herself worried about many different things, describing herself as a classic worrier. She claimed to be worried about future scenarios, such as the possibility of one of her children marrying an Eskimo, which would result in her being set adrift when she grows too old to care for herself. She was also worried about Carol Channing going bald, as well as the possibility that scientists would discover that lettuce was actually fattening.

2. Who was Lionel?

Lionel was a lab rat whom a researcher once brought home as a pet for his children. Despite surviving several experiments, Lionel soon died of a heart attack. The cause of this, Bombeck claimed, was because the rat was taken in the car with a teenage driver who had recently earned their learner's permit.

3. Describe Bombeck's humor.

Bombeck's humor includes a combination of parody, absurdity, self-deprecation and observational humor. This is seen in the introduction, "White Socks in a Pantyhose World," in which she discusses her fears of aging and of exercising. She turns to parody in essays such as "Why Can't We Have Our Own Apartment?," as well as showing absurd situations in "Haven't I Always Loved Whatshisname Best?" Her habits of observational humor can be seen in all of her essays, which takes a humorous look at suburban life with children.

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