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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 famous figure is coming to Toronto?

2. Who offered Elaine a place to stay in Toronto?

3. Who do the little girls from Elaine's memories remind her of?

4. What does Jon's note to Elaine under the mat say?

5. Why does Elaine stop reciting the prayers at church?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Elaine's mother greet her after she comes out of the cold water?

2. How does Elaine feel about the woman who models for her first nude female drawing?

3. How does Elaine describe her marriage to Jon?

4. Describe Elaine's experience when the girls leave her in the hole.

5. How does Elaine think of killing herself?

6. What does the narrator imagine Cordelia inside of?

7. What is Elaine's opinion of Susie, in her art class?

8. Describe how Elaine and Cordelia are different in biology class.

9. What is Elaine's attitude toward marriage while she is dating Josef?

10. What is the major element of her life that Elaine comes to terms with at the end of the novel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are many instances of theft and begging in the novel. Discuss the significance of theft and begging to the novel.

1) Why does Elaine think of Cordelia when someone tries to steal her wallet? In what way has Cordelia stolen from her?

2) Why does Elaine always give to people who beg from her? Why does Elaine think one woman who comes to beg from her might be Cordelia?

3) Who has stolen or taken (emotionally) from Elaine during her life? Is Elaine partially responsible for these instances?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss criticism in the novel.

1) What does criticism of Elaine's art mean to her? How does she relate to the press and others that view and criticize her life and work as an artist?

2) What role does criticism play in Elaine's childhood relationship with Cordelia and her other friends? Where is the line between constructive criticism and abuse?

3) Why does Elaine become critical of others in high school? Why do Elaine and Cordelia spend their time criticizing others?

Essay Topic 3

Secrecy is an important part of Elaine's life. From a young age, she begins to hide her true thoughts from others, and she keeps her feelings inside throughout the novel. Discuss the role of secrecy in the novel.

1) Why does the company of other girls make Elaine begin to hide her thoughts?

2) Why does Elaine envy women who can express rage, like Jon's ex-girlfriend?

3) How does Elaine suppress her feelings and emotions during the book? What other things does she keep secret?

(see the answer keys)

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