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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 is one of the main issues that the Boyce family faces?

2. What does Mary think that Maritze's focus should be?

3. In what part of New York does the Boyce family live?

4. In Book 1, Chapter 3, what do Suggie and her date drink?

5. In Book 3, how does Silla carry out her plan to get money for a house?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Book 1, why does Deighton want to keep the fact that he has inherited land as a surprise?

2. How are Silla and Miss Thompson alike?

3. In Book 1, Chapter 3, why is Maritze so annoyed with Suggie's romantic adventures?

4. Why do you think that Deighton is seeking out a mistress?

5. What wish does Selina make on her 15th birthday; and why does she regret it?

6. In Book 1, why does Selina not want to wear the second-hand clothes that Silla has brought home?

7. In Book 2, while her parents argue about the land in Barbados, what do Selina's daydreams focus upon?

8. In Book 2, Beryl and Selina have a conversation about babies being born. Why do they not know the facts of life?

9. How does Deighton respond to the racism that he encounters while applying for accounting jobs?

10. What event takes place in Book 3 that coincides with the beginning of World War II?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The topic of sexuality appears often throughout the book. How does it relate to Selina's coming of age? Which elements or shifts does Selina experience in her understanding of sexuality as she is growing up? Give an overall time line of Selina's knowledge, and sum up her status by the end of book. Does she have a full understanding of sexuality? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

What is the pivotal moment in Selina's life that changes her entire future? Is there more than one? Define Selina's pivotal moments, and analyze how they change her.

Essay Topic 3

Marriage was considered to be one of the few options for a young woman in the early 20th Century. Look at each moment in the novel when marriage is mentioned, or when a wedding takes place. Describe the connotations about marriage. What kind of viewpoints does Selina develop about marriage based on each of those situations?

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