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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. What does Mrs. Pitzenberger think she sees in Cecilia's hand?

2. What is Mr. Lisbon's profession?

3. Where are the scars Cecilia tried to hide?

4. What is Mr. Lisbon's hobby?

5. What major event has never happened in the town during the boys' lifetimes?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Peter Sissen reports back to the boys about his time inside the Lisbon house, what does Paul Baldino vow to do?

2. How did the emergency workers retrieve Cecilia's body?

3. How does the Lisbon girls' party differ from other parties the boys have attended?

4. Describe the appearance of Cecilia's diary.

5. What do the adult boys discover about Mr. and Mrs. Lisbon after speaking to Mr. Lisbon?

6. Describe Cecilia Lisbon's first attempt at suicide.

7. What are Cecilia's two moods toward the end of the diary?

8. What does Cecilia look like in her coffin?

9. Name three events the boys read about in Cecilia's diary.

10. Describe Cecilia's bedroom.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

We have talked a lot about setting in the context of this novel. Please discuss in an essay what the setting of The Virgin Suicides is, how it affects the story, how it affects the characters, and how the characters affect the setting.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the title The Virgin Suicides: is it appropriate? What does it mean, exactly? Do the characters contribute to its authenticity? Are there actually virgin suicides? Can you think of a better title? If so, what is it, and why would you choose it?

Essay Topic 3

The character of Old Mrs. Karafilis is introduced in Chapter 4 and is only active for a short portion of the book. She, however, represents several important factors otherwise missing from the characters surrounding the Lisbon girls' tragedy. Describe Old Mrs. Karafilis, her connection to the girls, and the importance her character has on the telling of the story.

(see the answer keys)

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