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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 does Beth recall during an intimate moment with Mike?

2. Why did Cindy marry the man she did?

3. Robert comes home from school one day with ______________.

4. Who does Robert call in the middle of the night?

5. What do Beth and Robert paste on Robert's closet door?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What does Beth miss the most from her old life as Frannie?

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

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

8. What prevents Beth from becoming too intimate with Mike?

9. What does Beth learn about not being a victim from Mrs. Levitt's story?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Does Quindlen end the story on a note of hope for Beth or the continuance of her struggle to come to terms with her flawed relationship with Bobby? Give your perspective and two reasons to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

BLACK AND BLUE is a classic story of loss and renewal. What does that classification entail? Why does this novel fit into this category? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

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