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. Why is Robert in a better mood by Christmas night?

2. Why is Beth frightened later that night?

3. What does Beth tell Mike the next day?

4. Who does Robert defend at school?

5. What happens during an intimate moment between Beth and Mike?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Beth and Robert react when they learn that several New York police officers have been killed?

2. When does Frannie realize that she needs to enlist Patty Bancroft's help to escape from Bobby?

3. What does Beth do on Christmas night instead of calling Grace like she wants to do?

4. What is the story of how Mr. and Mrs. Levitt met?

5. What is the first slip that Beth makes in possibly revealing her former identity?

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

7. What does Beth do as she begins to relax and feel less panicked in her new life?

8. How does Beth respond when Patty Bancroft insists that Beth and Robert move after the television news broadcast?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the role of the family in BLACK AND BLUE. What does it mean for each of the main characters? How does the concept of family evolve in Beth and Robert's situation as they find other people who fill the typical family roles?

Essay Topic 2

Create a character study of Bobby. What are his physical characteristics? What are his motivations? What are his fears? What are his dreams? What else can you say about Bobby?

Essay Topic 3

Quindlen is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphors, and irony, briefly describe each and identify the technique which each represents.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,199 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample