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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. Where is Harry going the morning of the ball?

2. What type of dress does Felicia wear to the event?

3. Where is Frieda staying for the next few weeks?

4. Which character seems preoccupied and upset to Olympia?

5. Who says, "My life has never been the same since Harry went to college"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What causes Virginia to think she fails her exams?

2. What happens to Max that makes life more difficult for Olympia right before the ball?

3. Why is Steve coming to the ball?

4. What makes Olympia upset when she sees Veronica come out of the shower?

5. Why is Olympia angry at Harry's choice not to go to the ball?

6. Why can't Olympia call in sick to work and take care of herself and Max?

7. Why is Virginia upset at the end of Chapter 7?

8. Why is Olympia so angry that Steve broke up with Virginia on the night he did?

9. Why does Harry feel bad for not helping Olympia?

10. How does Harry feel about The Arches ball?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Olympia tries to make life look easy, but in reality she juggles a marriage, children and a job. While she seems to get by, sometimes added stress and problems arise that throw her out of her routine. In the end, Olympia manages to get everything done and looks amazing doing it. Do you think Olympia portrays a strong, modern woman? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

College is a time of experimentation and growing up, as Veronica, Virginia and Charlie learn all too well. Using examples from the story, explain how each adult child "grew up" or "experimented" while in college.

Essay Topic 3

Olympia is a good mother and wife, but she does a lot to support other people. Do you think that Olympia is too enabling to her children and husband? Explain your reasoning using support from the book.

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This section contains 701 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample