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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. How had Thomas traced Rose?

2. Who does Son dream about on the first night spent in the farmhouse?

3. What does the girl in #137 ask Sissy?

4. Where does Rose go after spending only one night in the farmhouse?

5. How does Sissy compare to the girls in the home?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Lorraine and how does Sissy meet her?

2. What is the reason that Rose stays so distant from Sissy?

3. How do Sissy and Son meet Thomas Clinton, Sissy's biological father?

4. Who is the sole beneficiary of June's estate?

5. What does Son keep the same at St. Elizabeth's even though with his inheritance, he now has the authority to change?

6. What perspective does Sissy take on people leaving after Thomas is gone?

7. What does Rose do after the family moves into the farmhouse?

8. What is the nature of the relationship between Sissy and Rose at this point in time?

9. Why does it never occur to Sissy that Thomas could be her biological father?

10. What does Sissy think Son is trying to hide during the conversations with Thomas?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Patchett is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphors, and irony, briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

Essay Topic 2

Does Patchett end the story on a note of hope for Sissy or the continuance of her struggle to come to terms with her flawed relationship with Rose? Give your perspective and two reasons to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Project into the future ten years after the end of the novel and write a brief synopsis for Sissy's life. Will Rose still be such a powerful presence in her life? What is her relationship with Son? Did she develop a relationship with Thomas? Explain your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,028 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample