View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Chapter 5, who does Corey live with?

2. In Chapter 12, what big problem does Barbra's father struggle with?

3. How was Alex able to afford the trip to New Orleans in Chapter 11?

4. In Chapter 8, what does Twyla do just before she starts praying at Victor's beside?

5. In Chapter 13, what was one thing Victor criticized Alex for in her youth?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 2, why is Alex oddly exhilarated by the news of her father's grave illness?

2. In Chapter 12, what does Barbra's friend Cora tell her about how to entice Victor more?

3. In Chapter 1, what strikes the paramedics odd about Barbra's reaction to Victor's heart attack?

4. In Chapter 6, what is Sadie upset about concerning her father?

5. In Chapter 2, why has Alex given up on her parents years ago?

6. In Chapter 12, how does Barbra meet Victor for the first time?

7. In Chapter 12, when does Barbra first begin to realize Victor has abusive tendencies?

8. In Chapter 12, what does Barbra grow up wanting from a relationship?

9. In Chapter 12, what does Victor tell Alex and Gary when they are upset after their grandmother's death?

10. In Chapter 6, what does Alex think is different about Twyla?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay analyzing how Attenberg uses dark humor - particularly related to death and dying - throughout the novel, particularly to lighten the tone of tense moments. Cite specific references to the text to help support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

When do you think Twyla realizes Victor is only using her? Why do you think Twyla responds the way she does to Victor's advances? Write an essay explaining your answers.

Essay Topic 3

How does Attenberg use the fact of the infidelity between Twyla and Victor to help sustain suspense at different points in the novel? Write an essay explaining your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 625 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample