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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 does Mary tell Grace is the reason the servants use the back stairs?

2. Why are the inmates given little meat to eat?

3. Who does Grace say tells people Grace is good and no trouble?

4. What does Dr. Jordan bring Grace?

5. How many siblings does Grace say she has?

Short Essay Questions

1. What first happens when a doctor comes into the parlor at the governor’s house and why does it happen?

2. What does Grace talk about counting at the beginning of the Chapter and why does she change the way she counts?

3. Where is Grace taken after her encounter with the doctor and what does she describe there?

4. Who narrates Chapter 1 and what does she say about her present circumstances as to where she is, how old she is and what year it is?

5. What is the sentencing for Grace and McDermott?

6. What are the circumstances of Mrs. Humphreys’s life that are so difficult?

7. What are the three letters that are shown at the beginning of Chapter 4?

8. What is Jordan invited to join at the governor’s house and what does Lydia do before it starts?

9. What does Grace say about her family in her confession at the beginning of Chapter 5?

10. What document starts Chapter 2?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Often, authors will write about what they know, and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Margaret Atwood. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Atwood's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Atwood's probable agenda concerning that idea.

Essay Topic 2

Grace’s mother dies on the way to Canada. Grace’s father is alcoholic and abusive.

Discuss how Grace’s family life helped play a role in landing her in prison. Use examples from Alias Grace to support your response.

Essay Topic 3

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not? Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as Alias Grace help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Alias Grace? Why or why not. Use examples from Alias Grace and your own life to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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