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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 do Paul and Carol travel from Texas to Bay City?

2. What does Carol finally allow Jimmy to do?

3. During the war, Carol is stationed near ____________________.

4. Adele lives in a house owned by __________________.

5. Which psychiatrist does Adele plan to marry?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the episode of the red shoes regarding Adele and Ann?

3. 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?

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

5. How does Carol and Jimmy's son, Benny, die?

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

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

8. How does Adele still try to manipulate Ann by spending the money inappropriately?

9. What is the relationship of the Pikes Peak rock in Benny's room to Carol's breast cancer?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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

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)

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