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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why is Cordelia in Elaine's class in high school?

2. Is the art retrospective a success?

3. When Cordelia was young, what did she drink to avoid school?

4. Does Elaine give the woman money?

5. What does Jon call Elaine?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the trauma left by Elaine's abuse as a child.

1) How do Elaine's memories impact her life at the time of the retrospective? How do they impact her art and her perception of the world?

2) In what ways is Elaine trapped by the past? Why does she badly want an explanation from Cordelia?

3) Can Elaine be free of trauma from her past abuse? Is she free at the end of the book? How might her life change?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Discuss control in the novel.

1) Elaine believes that Cordelia wants her to kill herself, and is putting thoughts of suicide in her mind when Elaine is a young girl. How does Cordelia control her at that age? Does Elaine have a choice in the relationship?

2) Who has the control when Elaine and Cordelia are in high school, and why?

3) Does Cordelia continue to control Elaine, even when they are apart, years later in their lives?

4) Why does Elaine allow Josef to control her during their relationship?

(see the answer keys)

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