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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 Harry say on his voicemail?

2. What type of car does Olympia rent to take Frieda to the ball?

3. What happens to Olympia the weekend before the ball?

4. What item is Veronica missing for the ball?

5. Who calls Olympia while she is at work?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why is Harry unable to be helpful at home?

3. How are Veronica and Virginia different?

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

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

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

7. Why has Margaret taken a vacation?

8. Describe Charlie's relationship with Max.

9. What happens to Frieda that adds to Olympia's stress?

10. Why is Olympia still worried about Charlie in Chapter 8?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

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

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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