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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. How old is Marie when she has an affair with Amir?

2. How long had Marie been working at the motel when she developed feelings for Amir?

3. How long does it take for Marie to clean on her last day of work?

4. What does Marie hope to buy herself as a retirement gift?

5. How long does Marie and Amir's affair last?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe how Marie cleans her final room.

2. How is Marie's body impacted by her work over the years?

3. Why does Marie want to work a full shift on her last day? What does she want to do for herself?

4. How old is Marie when she retires? What "peculiar honor" (8) does her boss give to her on her last day?

5. How does Marie feel about Evie's move? What does she keep as a memory of her friend?

6. What does Marie say to Father James about her job in the section following the description of how her body has been impacted by her job? What does he say in response?

7. How does the author describe the way Marie's work has damaged her hands and arms?

8. How much money does Marie earn in her final paycheck? How is this money received? How many weeks of work does her final pay cover? What happens when she gets to her car?

9. How will Marie and her husband support themselves financially in retirement?

10. Who is Amir? What is Marie's relationship with Amir?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay describing the imagery used in "Clean, Cleaner, Cleanest." Indicate examples of imagery in the text and identify possible meanings.

Essay Topic 2

Write a brief essay analyzing the title "Clean, Cleaner, Cleanest." Explore the ways in which this title connects to the plot and themes of the story.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay exploring the significance of Marie's affair with Amir. How does she handle the affair? What are her feelings after the affair? How does the affair impact the plot?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 664 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample