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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 surprise do Gypsy and Woodrow find on the first day of school in the Fall?

2. How old will Gypsy be on her birthday?

3. Who was Blind Benny's best friend?

4. Love says that Amos committed suicide because __________________________.

5. What was Amos' nickname for Gypsy?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Gypsy's conversation with Grandpa Ball about beauty give Gypsy a different perspective on which of her parents was more obsessed with it?

2. What does Gypsy do at home after her memory of finding her father after he had committed suicide?

3. What is the significance of Porter's support of the piano recital for Gypsy?

4. Describe the circumstances in which Gypsy found her father after he had killed himself.

5. Describe Woodrow's behavior at the wienie roast and how it reinforces his character.

6. What is Grandpa Ball's opinion of why Belle moved into the mountains as a young woman and what impact that had on her relationships with people in the outside world?

7. How does Gypsy's behavior change when she has thoughts and memories of her father?

8. What is the significance of the argument between Gypsy and Woodrow in terms of how they know what is especially painful for each other?

9. What does Blind Benny tell Gypsy about her father that he hopes will comfort her?

10. How does Gypsy's relationship with Porter begun to change as she changes her perspective on many things?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe Blind Benny. What is his role in the story? What was the author trying to accomplish by developing Blind Benny's character in the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the role of women in the American South during the mid-20th century. What precedents did these women feel compelled to follow? What restrictions did they have? What freedoms did they have that 21st century women do not have? How were their lives significantly more difficult than the lives of 21st century women?

Essay Topic 3

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of beauty. Identify at least two instances about beauty in the book, and then cite examples to support your answers.

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