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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. Catherine answered an ad which Ralph placed in which he stated he was looking for _____________________.

2. Catherine says that she learned how to stitch wounds by __________________________.

3. Who are the servants at Ralph's house?

4. What did Ralph tell Antonio about his mother?

5. What does Ralph expect of Catherine?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the scenario where Catherine observes Antonio in the restaurant.

2. What significance does the loss of Catherine's jewelry serve symbolically and as an element of foreshadowing?

3. How is Ralph described by the emotions he wears on his face as well as his obsession with sex?

4. Who are the two main characters in A RELIABLE WIFE?

5. What does the author reveal about Catherine's true intentions regarding Truitt?

6. What are some of Truitt's thoughts during his delirium, especially related to his domineering mother and his own youthful thoughts of lust?

7. How does Catherine maintain a low profile in St. Louis even though she is excited by being in the city?

8. What does Truitt tell Catherine about his life with Emilia and the house he built for her?

9. What is the significance of Truitt's mother stabbing him with a needle and then the resulting scar that reminds him of the act?

10. What tragedy did Ralph suffer twenty years ago and why does he try to maintain his composure at the train station?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses more than one instance of irony in the book. Cite at least two examples you can identify in the novel and note why they are examples of irony.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the overall setting for the story. Why does the author use the setting he does? What is the time period of the story? How important is the time period to the attitudes and issues of the characters?

Essay Topic 3

Create a brief character study of Truitt. What does he look like? What are his positive personality traits? What are some of his negative characteristics? What are his hopes and fears? What motivates him--if anything--at this point in his life?

(see the answer keys)

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