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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 15, where does Twyla meet Gary?

2. In Chapter 20, why does Alex remind herself that she works out?

3. In Chapter 18, how much does Barbra pay per month for her storage unit?

4. In Chapter 19, what does Victor tell Twyla about how a friend of his is spending retirement?

5. In Chapter 20, which friend does Alex later confide in about the man she meets in the bar?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. In Chapter 21, what last secret of Victor's did Barbra know about?

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

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

6. In Chapter 19, what does Twyla know that Gary seeks almost more than anything else in their marriage?

7. In Chapter 15, what does Twyla do at CVS?

8. In Chapter 22, what does Gary tell Twyla she must come clean with him about in order to have a chance of saving their relationship?

9. In Chapter 19, why does Twyla think Victor takes her to the casinos?

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

Throughout the novel, Attenberg interjects the perspectives of ancillary characters observing main characters. Write an essay analyzing the effects of these interludes on the reader, citing specific examples 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

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.

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