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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Elaine feel like an expert at?

2. How does Cordelia feel when Elaine insults her?

3. What incident does Elaine claim not to remember?

4. Where does Elaine work while she's in college?

5. Is Elaine's ex-husband on time?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the use of point of view in the book.

1) Why is this book told in the first person, from Elaine's point of view? How would it be different if it were told by a different narrator?

2) Does Elaine provide an accurate account of the world around her? How is her view of the world biased or flawed?

3) What would the reader gain from understanding Cordelia's perspective, or the perspective of another character?

(see the answer keys)

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