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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. What color are Mary's eyes?

2. What causes Karl not to be able to tell his rescuer what happened?

3. Who is the narrator of chapter 1?

4. From whom does Mary receive a postcard in chapter 3?

5. How far do Karl and his rescuer travel daily in chapter 3?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Mary give Sita the sewing machine in chapter 7?

2. Describe Chez Sita.

3. Describe Celestine's appearance, as related in chapter 2.

4. Describe the children's experience on the train in "The Branch."

5. Why does Adelaide run to the airplane in chapter 1? How does this decision affect the children?

6. Explain the town's reaction to Mary's accident in the ice in chapter 2.

7. Describe Sita's relationship with Jimmy in chapter 5.

8. What happens to Fritzie's health in chapter 4? How does she change afterward?

9. Why does Karl make a note of the change on the table in chapter 6 when he and Wallace Pfef are having drinks?

10. Explain the relationship between Mr. Ober and Mary's family, as well as the effects his death has on them.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of failed romance throughout the novel and how it affects the various characters' lives, particularly Mary's life.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the jewel box as a symbol for the various characters, including its significance when unopened, when opened, and later on in the novel when Sita takes it with her to Minneapolis.

Essay Topic 3

How does the setting of Sita's home parallel her life, personality, and choice of death? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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