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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. Where do they crash?

2. What does Serena ask of Ira and Maggie?

3. What does Serena demand?

4. How does Maggie feel about her ex-classmates?

5. Why is Maggie so upset?

Short Essay Questions

1. Was Fiona's pregnancy difficult?

2. What does Maggie think is not appropriate?

3. Does Maggie think Fiona still loves Jesse?

4. What kept Ira from going to medical school ?

5. Who does Maggie see as she arrives?

6. Why does Maggie want Leroy to live with them?

7. What is Serena dressed as?

8. What is Breathing Lessons the story of?

9. What does Maggie break as she drives?

10. What song do they sing?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1. Describe the structure of the novel.

2. How does Tyler choose to set everything up and how is it pertinent to the story?

3. How do the flashbacks work into the structure of the novel?

Essay Topic 2

1. How is Maggie a loving and caring wife, mother, and friend?

2. Give specific instances of her character.

3. How is this different than her son?

Essay Topic 3

Maggie often wonders about what could have been. Do you agree or disagree with that statement?

1. What are some happenings that Maggie wishes were different in her life?

2. How can Maggie make those changes now?

3. What is it about Maggie's personality that makes her unable to accept her life?

4. Being unsatisfied with ones life or personal projects can be extremely draining and depressing. Do you think that Maggie ever exhibits these qualities in the novel? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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