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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 happening to Margaret's mother?

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

3. Why is Olympia surprised that Steve is coming to the ball?

4. What is the weather like the day of the ball?

5. How is Frieda going to be able to attend the ball?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is wrong with Olympia two days before the ball?

3. Why does Harry agree to drop his mother, Frieda, off at the ball?

4. Why is Olympia so thankful to see Charlie in Chapter 6?

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

6. Why has Margaret taken a vacation?

7. Why is Olympia concerned about Jeff, Veronica's escort the day of the ball?

8. Why does Chauncey threaten to stop paying Veronica's tuition for a second time?

9. How are Veronica and Virginia different?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

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?

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This section contains 707 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample