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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 women most frequently collaborates with her husband on professional projects?

2. What was the name of Joan's first book?

3. What color is Ellen's hair?

4. How was the MIT Alice was very close to killed in New York?

5. Which of the following riddles is NOT included in the first chapter of the text?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. In what ways does Bateson use riddles to express the way individuals identify their personal convictions and ideals?

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

4. What two significant events happened when "The Cosby Show" came to film at Spelman University where Johnnetta works?

5. What is the most significant memory Alice has of her childhood in Rumania?

6. According to Bateson, what role do successful parents play in ensuring, or deterring, the success of their daughters?

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

8. What happened to Alice after Jack died unexpectedly?

9. According to Bateson, how do today's values for a "good life" differ from traditional values?

10. What does Bateson believe is the next big step for humanity across the world?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Mary uses the poem "The Ode of Imru'u I-Qays" to describe an important point about the lives of modern women. First, summarize the story of "The Ode of Imru-u I-Qays" and explain why Mary chose this poem as her example. Then, argue whether or not this example is still relevant in today's society. In what ways does this poem support and negate from Mary's main theme of "composing a life"? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Food becomes an important centerpiece for Mary to explore the roles of women in the household. First, describe the relationship Mary has to food, particularly the preparation of food, and compare that to the relationship one other woman in the book has with food. How does Mary think food affects the role of women in the household, and how does she think food should be represented in our western culture? Do you agree with Mary's arguments? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Alice is one of the key women whose relationship is a focal point of the book. First, describe Alice's relationship with Jack: how did they meet? What was their courting process like? In your opinion, what was the biggest strain on Alice's relationship with Jack? Why was Alice hesitant to take her relationship with Jack to the next level? Finally, describe how Alice's life was changed when Jack moved in with her, and how she coped with her lonely life after Jack's death. What do all these elements tell the reader about Alice herself, and about Bateson's opinion of marriage and partnership? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

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