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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. How is Adele's house decorated?

2. What is the true source of Ann's medical problem?

3. A phone call at one o'clock in the morning at Carol and Jimmy's house reveals that ____________________.

4. What does Carol tell her family about Paul?

5. How do Paul and Carol travel from Texas to Bay City?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Adele try to sabotage Ann's relationship with Daniel Swan?

3. How does Paul die and what decision does Carol make regarding her life going forward?

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

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

6. What is Paul's mission during the war; why does he not complete the mission; and, what are his and Carol's plans for the future?

7. How does Carol show depth of character in her life that Adele could not possibly understand?

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

9. What is the symbolism of the sparkly red shoes and Ann's hair being cut by a hooligan?

10. What does Ann do to allow her mother to live in a little cottage?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What are the overall settings for the novel? Be sure to include geography, time period and any pertinent popular culture events. Why did Simpson choose to use these places in the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Create a character study of Carol. What are her physical characteristics? What are her motivations? What are her fears? What are her dreams? What else can you say about Carol?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast Carol and Adele. Both women want influence over Lillian but have their hold on her in very different ways. Why are their differences classic examples of conflict in drama? What other similarities and dissimilarities are there between the two characters?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,160 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample