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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 does Birdie do that sparks a racial confrontation in Chapter 13?

2. While at a party, which character does Birdie meet in the woods?

3. Why doesn't Birdie tell her Aunt Dot where Sandy is living?

4. Who is Samantha?

5. What sad realization does Birdie come to at the end of Chapter 13?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do the girls in New Hampshire make fun of Birdie in Chapter 9?

2. Describe Corvette.

3. How is the class difference between Birdie and Nicholas demonstrated in the novel?

4. What mementos does Birdie find stashed in her mother's room?

5. How does Birdie finance her trip to California?

6. Why does Jim scold Birdie for lying?

7. Who is Exu and why does Birdie pray to him?

8. Describe Birdie's conversation with Samantha at Dennis' party.

9. Describe Samantha.

10. What does Birdie do after Dennis' party?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does Nicholas' comment about Birdie's appearance affect their relationship? What perceptions does Birdie have of beauty and race? What perceptions does Nicholas have of beauty and race? What might this foreshadow for their relationship?

Essay Topic 2

Describe the significance of Birdie's relationship to Nicholas. What lesson does Sandy teach Birdie about men and how does Nicholas fit into that lesson? What role does race play in Birdie's relationship with Nicholas? How might their relationship change once Birdie has established a life in Berkeley?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Sandy's development of paranoia after she and Deck separate. How does Sandy's paranoia motivate her? What effect does it have on other characters and how do they react to Sandy? Is her paranoia genuine? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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