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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 did Ruby say she would do to Jack if he ever stepped out of line?

2. When did Ruby finally visit her parents?

3. How was June not ruined?

4. Who has June been worried about running into in town?

5. What did Ruby lie to Jack about when they first met?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who was Tiny Fran's favorite child, and how did she treat the other one?

2. What did the other migrant workers criticize Ruby for?

3. Who informed June about menstruation, and why?

4. How did Tiny Fran leave Burr?

5. Why did Jack finally decide to hire a housekeeper?

6. Why were the townspeople afraid of Ruby?

7. Why did Jack think that Ruby's ghost had visited him in the night?

8. How did Ruby remember first meeting Jack?

9. Why did Ruby cry when she found out that John Woodrow was dead?

10. What did Cecil come to Jack and Ruby's house to do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Race relations come up within the story. Describe African-American roles within the story and argue whether these characters are portrayed realistically or stereotypically.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

After realizing her mistake for marrying John Woodrow, Ruby is too ashamed to return home. After waiting all night for Ruby's ghost to visit him, Jack is too ashamed to tell Burr and June why he is drinking in the morning and why the sheets are no longer on the bed. Explore these two character's feelings of shame and whether or not they are justified.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 692 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample