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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. In what month does the fight between Amelia and Marvin occur?

2. With what is Marvin associated in the story?

3. Why does Amelia not say anything to Lymon about giving so many privileges to Marvin?

4. Who has Marvin's brother brought with him to Amelia's cafe?

5. What is the busiest night in Amelia's cafe?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the main theme in this story?

2. Explain the old man's "a tree, a rock, a cloud" system of learning to love.

3. Why is Bitsy so bitter about his situation regarding his life compared to the lives of the rich men at the table?

4. What literary technique does McCullers use in mentioning Amelia's brief marriage to Marvin Macy?

5. After listening to so many of Madame Zilensky's stories, what finally alerts Mr. Brook that she is a pathological liar?

6. Describe John's visit to Elizabeth's home.

7. What is the setting of the story and who are the characters introduced?

8. What does Lymon admit to Amelia is his attraction to Marvin?

9. What is Leo's role in the story?

10. What information does the author provide about events leading up to Miss Amelia's ten-day marriage?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a brief character study of Cousin Lymon. What does he look like? What are his positive personality traits? What are some of his negative characteristics? What are his hopes and fears? What motivates him, if anything, at this point in her life?

Essay Topic 2

Create a brief character study of Marvin Macy. What does he look like? What are his positive personality traits? What are some of his negative characteristics? What are his hopes and fears? What motivates her, if anything, at this point in her life?

Essay Topic 3

Describe some of the settings for the story. What is the overall setting? Be sure to include geography, time period, and any pertinent popular culture events. Why did the author choose to use these places in the story?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,034 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample