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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. Why is Beth especially worried on Robert's first day of school?

2. With what does Beth have a hard time in her new life?

3. What warning does Patty Bancroft give to Beth?

4. What became rare between Frannie and Bobby?

5. What is Bobby's profession?

Short Essay Questions

1. Mrs. Levitt's lifestyle reminds Frannie of what?

2. Who is the new friend Beth meets on the first day of school?

3. Why does Beth worry that Robert may be more like Bobby than she would like him to be?

4. What details does Beth have to drill into Robert prior to his going to school?

5. What is the premise of BLACK AND BLUE?

6. Why is Beth hesitant to allow Robert to go off by himself in the grocery store?

7. What made Frannie start to entertain the idea of leaving her husband?

8. What is the nature of Beth's encounter with Mike Riordan in the grocery store?

9. Who is Patty Bancroft and why does she do the work she does?

10. How does Beth begin to feel about Mike as their friendship deepens?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the primary setting for the novel? Be sure to include geography, time period and any pertinent popular culture events. Why did Quindlen choose to use this place in the novel?

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

Project into the future ten years after the end of the novel and write a brief synopsis for Beth's life. Will she have reconnected with Robert? Where is Bobby at this time? What is the state of Beth's marriage to Mike? What else can you project about Beth's life? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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