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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. Does Josef want to keep his affair with Elaine a secret?

3. What is malfunctioning in Elaine and Jon's apartment?

4. Where does Elaine go to meet her ex-husband?

5. How does Elaine think Jon will react to her pregnancy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the significance of time in the book.

1) What is Elaine's attitude toward time? How does she think of time, and why does she think of it this way?

2) How does Elaine's perception of time differ from Stephen's perception of time?

3) How is time portrayed in the novel? How is time in the novel symbolic?

4) How does time relate to memory in the novel?

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

Elaine often feels herself growing stronger or weaker, empowered or powerless. Discuss the importance of power in the novel.

1) When is Elaine powerful, and when does she feel powerless? What gives Elaine power in the course of the novel?

2) How do Elaine and Cordelia use power over others?

3) What power does Elaine's art give her? Does Elaine recognize the power of her art?

(see the answer keys)

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