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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. On Ruby's first day of work, what did Tiny Fran do that Ruby found appalling?

2. When they had lunch in the Pitt's house, what did the migrant workers do?

3. When they first met, what did Jack tell Ruby about her husband?

4. What does Jack think of Ruby's dying request?

5. Who informed Ruby of John's death?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Ruby marry John Woodrow?

2. How did Jack's father die?

3. When Jack shot his gun, what did Ruby think of and why didn't she tell Jack?

4. What land did Jack turn down, and why?

5. How was Ruby not like Jack's mother?

6. Why did Lonnie Hoover ask Burr to marry Tiny Fran?

7. Describe Jack's experience with women before Ruby.

8. What happened when Ruby's mother invited the migrant workers into the house for lunch?

9. What memory did Ruby recall when thinking of her diagnosis?

10. After they were married, how did John Woodrow treat Ruby?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Several characters within the novel are either abused or themselves abusers. Select one character, either:

1) Ruby.

2) John Woodrow.

3) Tiny Fran.

Explain their roles as victim or perpetrator. Be sure to cite examples from the text.

Essay Topic 2

Explore Jack's feelings regarding the concept of home, and why he didn't want to take Ruby's portion of the Pitt farm inheritance.

Essay Topic 3

Although death and grief are recurring themes in "A Virtuous Woman", the story does contain some comic relief; for example, the appearance of Mavis and her behavior. Cite other examples of comic relief from within the text and explain not only how it enhances the story but also why it is necessary.

(see the answer keys)

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