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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 is Veronica looking for when she finds the photographs of Virginia in both ball gowns?

2. What does Chauncey threaten to do if either of the girls do not attend the ball?

3. What is Olympia referring to when she uses the phrase "rite of passage."

4. What does Olympia sell to pay off her family's debt?

5. Which character does not have a job?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Veronica concerned about Virginia's boyfriend?

2. Why does Olympia want the girls to go the ball?

3. Describe Veronica's dress for the ball.

4. How do Olympia's and Harry's backgrounds differ?

5. Why does Charlie want to meet Veronica's escort?

6. Why does Olympia take Frieda shopping?

7. What are Charlie's thoughts on the ball?

8. What is Virginia's big news?

9. How do Harry and Olympia meet?

10. How is Harry different than Olympia's previous husband, Chauncey?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Olympia has high expectations for her children, but also shows each of them unconditional love. What makes Olympia a good parent? What makes her a good wife?

Essay Topic 2

Debutante balls have changed over the years. Their purpose used to be for girls to find husbands, but now it is more of a fun event. Compare and contrast debutante balls of old and new. How have they changed? Do they serve a purpose anymore? Do you think they will continue to evolve?

Essay Topic 3

The author tries to paint Olympia as a character who has a "perfect" life. Do you think Olympia has a perfect life? Explain your reasoning using details from the book.

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This section contains 676 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample