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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. In Chapter 6, who is Alex's ex-husband?

2. In Chapter 2, what does Alex tell her mother she is preparing to do during their phone conversation?

3. In Chapter 10, what is Sharon reluctant to take from Corey?

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

5. In Chapter 9, what happens with Gary's plans to get on a plane to be with his family?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 6, how does Bobby respond when Alex asks him to think more of their daughter Sadie and put her first?

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

3. In Chapter 12, what does Carver regret?

4. In Chapter 8, why does Twyla have a Bible in Victor's hospital room?

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

6. In Chapter 12, what does Barbra think about Alex's request to know the truth about what is really going on with her parents?

7. In Chapter 5, what is unusual about Corey's living situation?

8. In Chapter 12, what activity does Barbra do daily and compulsively?

9. In Chapter 12, what does Barbra remember the most about her own father?

10. In Chapter 3, when does Gary realize that something might be seriously wrong in his family?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Towards the end of the novel, why do you think Avery comes to the conclusion that her mother Twyla and her father Gary still love each other? Do you think there is any possibility of Twyla and Gary reconciling their differences? Write an essay explaining your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Most of the male characters in this novel are deeply flawed, or even villainous, from Victor to Bobby. Write an essay analyzing Attenberg's treatment of male characters, and explain who the most appealing and relatable male character in the novel is and why.

Essay Topic 3

How does Barbra handle Victor's sustained physical and emotional abuse throughout their marriage? Write an essay explaining your answer, citing specific references to the text to help support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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