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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. Who is Betty's first true friend?

2. Who is Betty Davies Randolph's daughter?

3. What type of business does Charles run?

4. In the Introduction, what does Marjorie state that her mother loved to do?

5. According to Lottie, the most happily married couple in the community is ___________________.

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why is Lottie so ashamed about Betty's illness?

4. What illness does Betty contract as a child and what is the cause of it?

5. How does the author show the close relationship between Lottie and Betty?

6. What special talent does Lottie have and why does she take so much pride in it?

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

8. What is the connection that Betty draws between the Depression and infidelity and which of Lottie's friends is directly affected?

9. What are some mentions of popular culture that Betty notes in her story?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the role of women in the South in the 20th century when the women in the novel are living their lives. What precedents do they feel compelled to follow? What restrictions do they have? What freedoms did they have that 21st century women do not have?

Essay Topic 2

The story in A CURE FOR DREAMS is essentially told via flashbacks. What is a flashback? Why would an author choose to utilize a flashback in his work? Are there benefits to utilizing flashbacks when creating a work of fiction? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 970 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample