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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. To what state do Carol and Jimmy retire?

2. The young man in #152 is a member of ____________________.

3. Where does Paul die?

4. What does Adele want to buy?

5. Neither of Carol's parents told Carol about ____________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Paul Morgenstern and what role does he play in Carol's life?

2. When is Carol emotionally ready to sue the Brozeks over Benny's death?

3. Describe the graciousness of Carol and Jimmy toward Jay Brozek after Benny's death.

4. How does Ann's sexual relationship with Peter mirror her inappropriate behavior with young children?

5. What was life like for Carol growing up?

6. How does Carol's perspective of her relationship with Adele underscore Adele's dysfunctional behavior?

7. Why does Adele's relationship with Dr. Hawthorne signify her transition into a delusional state?

8. What has Adele really done with the money that Ann sent her?

9. What does Ann begin to realize about her mother and how she compares herself to her family?

10. How does the episode of the red shoes exhibit Adele's not being fit to parent?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Simpson is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphors, and irony, briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the ongoing conflict between Carol and Adele. What are the main sources of the conflicts? Why does it perpetuate? What does Carol learn about the reality of Adele's life as opposed to the perceptions Adele has hoped to perpetuate?

Essay Topic 3

Explain the role of women in America in the 1990s when the women in the novel are living their lives. What precedents do they feel compelled to follow? What restrictions do they have? What freedoms did they have that 21st century women do not?

(see the answer keys)

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