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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. In Book 2, Pastorale, what does Selina ask to do with her best friend?

2. In Book 3, what news do Silla's friends inform her about that triggers her anger?

3. What does Selina decide to do about her mother's plan to sell her father's land?

4. Who is Father Peace?

5. What does Selina's mother bring home from work for Selina?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Selina think that babies are born by chopping the mother's stomach open?

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

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

4. Why does Silla worry when Deighton does not return home with the money from the land sale?

5. In Book 3, Chapters 1-4, what does Florrie do to Selina that shocks her so much? And why does she do it?

6. Miss Thompson's roommate has three little girls, but it is Miss Thompson who cares for them. Why is that?

7. Why is Selina uncomfortable in Book 2 when she sees the couple making out in the park ?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Death induces extreme emotional reactions. Think about each of the deaths that occur in this novel - both actual physical deaths and metaphorical deaths. Focusing on each one in turn, analyze the importance of each death, and how it plays an integral role in a new life coming forth.

Essay Topic 2

How do various aspects of the setting impact Selina's story? The response might include the year, world events, social, and class expectations - Brooklyn in the 1940's, cultural beliefs, etc. Use evidence from the book to support your points.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the characters of Deighton and Clive, the two primary male characters in the novel. How are they alike in their influence over Selina? How do their characters differ? How does Selina differ in her interactions with each of them? What does she learn from them?

(see the answer keys)

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