4. In chapter four, an encounter is described taking place in an elevator between Alice and a young boy with cancer. What does he say about her type of cancer?

5. According to Calvin, what is the definition of an intellectual?

Short Essay Questions

1. In chapter four, do you think Calvin Trillin is wise to not to take the advice of his colleague?

2. Why does Alice think that marrying Calvin Trillin means she has to live a modest lifestyle?

3. What is the one thing that Alice forbids her teenage daughters from doing?

4. What is Alice's attitude toward spending money?

5. Explain the Alice Tax.

6. Why does Alice believe that "Herbie" deserves to be paid more than what he originally quoted for his contracting services?

7. Does Alice ever exercise restraint when it comes to controversial subjects?

8. Alice believes that all people are capable of learning and can be taught new things, regardless of their background, provided they have the desire. Do you agree? Why or why not?

9. In chapter five, following Alice's bypass operation, what warning does Alice's surgeon give Calvin Trillin?

10. What is the SEEK program? Why is it important to Alice?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write the following essay from the first person point of view of Alice Trillin.

Part 1) Discuss your views on social activism.

Part 2) Why do you care so much about certain causes? Give a list of the ones that mean the most to you, and how you go about pursuing these causes.

Part 3) What do you hope to instill in your daughters through your social activism?

Part 4) What is wrong about being passive?

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay on any one of the following aspects of Alice's beauty.

Part 1) Discuss the power and influence of Alice's beauty. How does it affect others? What opportunities does it afford her? What challenges does it bring?

Part 2) Alice is an outspoken, politically active woman who is a young woman during the time of the Feminism movement in the United States. Do you think that Alice's beauty and concern for her appearance make her unique in that context? If so, in what ways?

Cite examples from the book in your response.