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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Bateson claim is the unifying thread of all the women she discusses in the book?
(a) They are all hopeless failures in life, despite having passion for their individual arts.
(b) They have all faced frustration and difficult choices.
(c) They are all professionally successful and have wisdom to pass on.
(d) They are all partners in highly successful marriages.

2. Which of the following women is interested in jewelry making?
(a) Ellen.
(b) Joan.
(c) Johnnetta.
(d) Alice.

3. What does Bateson claim helps a woman "discover underlying convictions that are steady throughout life"?
(a) Extracting common ground.
(b) Adhering to traditional gender roles.
(c) Honoring generations past.
(d) Living life improvisationally.

4. What subject did Johnnetta study in college?
(a) Communications.
(b) Anthropology.
(c) Botany.
(d) Mathematics.

5. What type of flower was planted on Spelman's campus in preparation for the television shoot?
(a) Tulips.
(b) Impatiens.
(c) Gardenias.
(d) Roses..

6. Which of the following metaphors runs through the entire first chapter of the text?
(a) That life is like a box of chocolates.
(b) That life is like building a fire.
(c) That life is like needlework.
(d) That life is like a sunset.

7. Which of Mary's grandparents was a scientist?
(a) Her maternal grandmother.
(b) Her paternal grandfather.
(c) Her maternal grandfather.
(d) Her paternal grandmother.

8. According to Bateson, which of the following is NOT a necessary element to "nurture ideas and institutions"?
(a) Caring.
(b) Relationship building.
(c) Finances.
(d) Homebuilding.

9. How many sisters did Ellen have growing up?
(a) Four.
(b) Two.
(c) Five.
(d) Three.

10. What does Mary claim is the best type of relationship?
(a) A symmetrical relationship.
(b) An equal relationship.
(c) A complementary relationship.
(d) A composite relationship.

11. Which of the women Mary interviewed is the oldest woman in the book?
(a) Joan.
(b) Johnnetta.
(c) Ellen.
(d) Alice.

12. In what state is Spelman College located?
(a) Louisiana.
(b) Georgia.
(c) Texas.
(d) North Carolina.

13. In what city were Joan and Erik married?
(a) London.
(b) Vienna.
(c) Berlin.
(d) Paris.

14. On the whole, how does Bateson believe American society treats marriage?
(a) Comedically.
(b) Stoically.
(c) With no respect.
(d) Romantically.

15. How old was Joan at the time of her interviews for the book?
(a) 80.
(b) 50.
(c) 60.
(d) 70.

Short Answer Questions

1. What was significant about Johnnetta's position as president of Spelman College?

2. What is the name of Jack's wife?

3. What activity brings Mary and Barkev together, closer than they were before they were first married?

4. Which of the women Mary interviewed is the youngest woman in the book?

5. What type of poetry was Mary studying when she first met her husband, Barkev?

(see the answer keys)

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