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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. Why does Claire not call James on the day he is to return to the office?

2. What does Adam say to Claire that unnerves her?

3. Why is Claire going into town the next day?

4. To what city is Helen traveling for her college trip?

5. What does Claire say to Mr. Andrucetti when she sees him?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Claire begin to come out of The Great Terror period in her life?

2. What does Claire's mother think about Claire's attraction to Adam?

3. Why is Claire hesitant to call James?

4. How does the author show that Adam is on Claire's mind all the time now?

5. What does Claire say to Adam at the gym that puts a strain on the outing?

6. What does Claire learn about the woman James is involved with and what does Claire decide to do?

7. What realities does Claire realize that she must face now?

8. What is the significance of the novel's title, WATERMELON?

9. Why does Claire keep putting off calling James?

10. How does the author show Claire's fragile state of mind regarding her marriage?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of disappointment. Identify at least two characters that either embody or experience disappointment then cite an example to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast James and Adam. Both men want influence over Claire but have their hold on her in very different ways. Why are their differences classic examples of conflict in drama? What other similarities and dissimilarities are there between the two characters?

(see the answer keys)

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