View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the name of the family who lives next door to Beth and Robert?

2. Beth's new home reminds her of what?

3. What worries Beth about Robert?

4. Who died shortly after Bobby and Frannie married?

5. What religion does Mrs. Levitt practice?

Short Essay Questions

1. How has the move to Florida impacted Beth's relationship with Robert?

2. Why does Frannie feel a sense of guilt regarding her injuries?

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

4. What is going on in Frannie's life at the time that she meets Patty Bancroft?

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

6. What does Frannie recall about the first time Bobby hit her?

7. Who does Robert befriend as soon as they move into the duplex?

8. What is the premise of BLACK AND BLUE?

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

10. Why are Frannie and Robert waiting at a train station in Philadelphia?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the significance of the book's title? What are some other possible titles for the book. List at least five and cite your reasons for each.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 923 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample