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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 is the cause of Charles' death?

2. What is the only food Betty will eat when she is twelve?

3. What is the date of the Introduction?

4. What does Lottie's mother do when she learns that Lottie is dating Charles?

5. Who do most Americans blame for the Great Depression?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is an easy way to differentiate the three characters in the book?

2. Why is no serious investigation ever launched to determine Roy's murderer?

3. Who does Lottie determine has killed Roy and why does she choose to keep quiet about it?

4. Why is Trudy raising her children on her own?

5. Describe Trudy's behavior when Lottie and Betty visit her home to welcome her to the community.

6. What is the premise of A CURE FOR DREAMS?

7. Why does Lottie take back the meal she had brought for Trudy and her children?

8. What is Lottie's recurrent romantic fantasy and how does her real life differ from the dream?

9. What is the probable reason for Charles' suicide?

10. How does Lottie anonymously make sure that Trudy gets credit in Porter's store?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The generation gap seems to be almost an unnamed character in the book. How pervasive is the generation gap? Why does it have such a prevalent place in the characters' lives? Explain how an inanimate object or characteristic can be a character.

Essay Topic 2

Create a character study of Betty. What are her physical characteristics? What are her motivations? What are her fears? What are her dreams? What else can you say about Betty?

Essay Topic 3

The author uses several instances of foreshadowing in the story. Explain what foreshadowing is and cite at least two examples making sure to explain what makes each an instance of foreshadowing.

(see the answer keys)

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