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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 does Anne count on for support?

2. To what does Anne attribute some of Sam's colicky behavior?

3. What is Anne's greatest fear about having a boy?

4. When is the initial diary entry made?

5. What does Anne indulge in?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Anne's biggest fear about having a boy?

2. How do Anne and Pammy escape the ominous cloud of Pammy's illness, even if only temporarily?

3. Why is Anne's determined focus on Sam a stronger coping mechanism than she may think?

4. Explain the irony of Pammy still taking care of Anne even though Pammy is the one with the terminal illness.

5. What does Anne's therapist remind Anne of when Anne laments that maybe she is not good enough to have a husband?

6. Explain what it is that Anne learns how to do which had previously been difficult for her.

7. How does Anne end her journal of the first year of Sam's life?

8. How has Sam's arrival influenced Anne's relationship with her mother?

9. Even though Anne feels fragile and vulnerable, she is stronger than she thinks. Explain Anne's strength and coping mechanisms.

10. Where does Anne regularly take Sam?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In addition to emotional woes, Anne is also troubled by financial problems. What is Anne's employment situation? What is her state of mind and ability to improve her situation? How does Anne ultimately find the finances she needs? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

One of the most striking characteristics of Anne's prose is her complete honesty. Explain why this is necessary to complete a book of this nature. Would a reader be able to see through fabrications and falsehoods in a book like this? Describe why this format is the perfect background for Anne's personality.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the role of religion and spirituality in Anne's life. What is the nature of Anne's particular devotion to the Virgin Mary? How does Anne exhibit her beliefs in her everyday life?

(see the answer keys)

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