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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. After the incident at school, Robert thinks that his father could be ______________.

2. What does Beth recall during an intimate moment with Mike?

3. Where did Cindy grow up?

4. Who does Cindy think has a crush on Beth?

5. Who drives Beth and Robert home after Christmas dinner?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Robert react when Beth and Mike begin to see more of each other?

2. What is the tipping point that causes Frannie to make the decision to leave Bobby?

3. What are the personal motivations that cause both Cindy and Beth to make the life decisons that they have?

4. How does a bullying episode at school make Robert think about his father?

5. Why does Beth not panic when she learns that Robert has called his father after the bullying incident?

6. What does Beth learn from Grace when she calls her on Thanksgiving night?

7. What does Robert admit to Beth for the first time as they have Thanksgiving dinner?

8. How does Beth inadvertently end up on TV news and how does she feel about it?

9. What does Beth reveal to Cindy about why she finally decided to leave Bobby?

10. What does Beth reveal to Cindy regarding another relationship with a man when they are at the beauty salon?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of disappointment. Identify at least two characters who either embody or experience disappointment; then cite an example to support your answers.

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

Compare and contrast Bobby and Mike. Both men want influence over Beth 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?

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