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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 19, when does Twyla trace the decline of her adult life to?

2. In Chapter 19, which friend does Twyla confide in about her affair?

3. In Chapter 15, what does Twyla ultimately decide about the makeup she is buying?

4. In Chapter 15, what does Gary say when he visits Twyla's childhood farm in Alabama?

5. In Chapter 15, who is the drama teacher who takes Twyla under his wing?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 19, when does Twyla's trouble with Victor begin?

2. In Chapter 20, what does Gary tell Alex when Alex finally gets in touch with him on the phone?

3. In Chapter 19, what does Victor ask Twyla about money that completely turns her off?

4. In Chapter 15, how does Twyla find the experience of having a child with Gary?

5. In Chapter 16, what does Alex decide to do after she flees from the hospital?

6. In Chapter 19, how does Twyla explain to herself her willingness to go along with Victor's sexual advances?

7. In Chapter 19, what does Twyla think is one of the saddest things about the Tuchman family at Thanksgiving?

8. In Chapter 15, what happens with Avery on her and Twyla's last visit to the farm in Alabama that startles Twyla?

9. In Chapter 21, what does Barbra decide to do about Victor's funeral?

10. In Chapter 15, what is the difference in the way Twyla and Gary introduce each other to their own families?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

Although Alex and her mother, Barbra, do not have a close or easy-going relationship, they do have some moments of real tenderness and affection. Write an essay exploring the range and nuances of feelings Alex and Barbra experience in their mother-daughter relationship.

(see the answer keys)

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