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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. Who is always quick to take care of Max when needed?

2. What items does Charlie use for war paint?

3. What happened to Olympia's parents?

4. Which character does not have a job?

5. Who's mother plays bingo in a club in Harlem?

Short Essay Questions

1. What makes Olympia such a great woman?

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

3. What is Virginia's big news?

4. Why does Olympia take Frieda shopping?

5. How do Harry and Olympia meet?

6. How does Chauncey feel about the invitation to The Arches?

7. What are some things that the family does in Paris?

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

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

10. Why is Olympia so surprised about how pleasant Chauncey is during their phone conversation in Chapter 4?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The term "coming out" has multiple meanings in the story. Define what it means to come out. Explain two examples of characters who had some sort of "coming out" experience. Show their growth and explain how coming out made them develop as a character.

Essay Topic 2

Foreshadowing is also used in this book in many instances. Cite 3 examples of foreshadowing and how it is used to indicate events to come. Why would the author choose to foreshadow?

Essay Topic 3

How do the family's Jewish and Protestant cultures play an important role throughout the novel? Do their cultural differences add depth to the novel or is it unnecessary?

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This section contains 650 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample