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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. Which of the following values does Bateson say is "inappropriate in today's constantly changing world"?

2. What subject does Mary tackle with her metaphor of a "crazy quilt"?

3. According to Bateson, what does American society value above all else?

4. What type of flower was planted on Spelman's campus in preparation for the television shoot?

5. What does Alice do for a living?

Short Essay Questions

1. What major breakthrough did Ellen make in her field of psychology?

2. In what ways does Bateson claim she puts her husband's needs before her own?

3. How do Joan and Erik collaborate on each other's professional projects?

4. What does it mean to Mary to live in "a life in flux", and how did this affect her choosing of which women would appear in the book?

5. What is the nature of Jack's relationship with Alice?

6. How did travel affect Mary Bateson's relationship with her husband, Barkev?

7. According to Bateson, what does it mean to have a symmetrical relationship?

8. What is significant about Johnnetta's physical appearance?

9. How did Johnnetta use her academic experience to change the definition of what it meant to live "as a black woman"?

10. According to Bateson, what do humans tend to believe about society?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When discussing ugliness and pain, Mary often uses the metaphor of art to make her point about "composing a life". First, discuss Mary's analogy of art and masterpieces, particularly in relation to ugliness. Then, explain at least two characteristics one must have in order to be considered an "artist" in their own lives. Finally, explain whether or not you agree with Mary's advice to the "artists" in the world, and why. Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout history, the balance of male-female relationships have shifted, a topic at the heart of "Composing a Life". First, create a timeline including at least three major events discussed in the books, describing the change in male-female relationship throughout history. Then, choose one of the relationships presented in the book and describe how this relationship exemplifies the "current" state of such relationships. In your opinion, is this relationship balanced? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

In chapter four, Bateson takes an aside to explain what she thinks about society, specifically in regards to culture in society. First, describe how Bateson believes cultures function within society. Historically speaking, how does society respond to culture? What does Bateson believe is the next big change societies need to make to truly create a "crazy quilt"? Then, choose one of the women in the text and describe how their work - either professionally or personally - has striven to alter the way culture is viewed in society. Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

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