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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 women identifies herself primarily as a dancer?

2. What is the key to organizing multiple lives at once?

3. What do the roadblocks of separation and division hinder a woman from doing?

4. Why does Johnnetta have to look herself in the mirror every morning to remind herself of her new identity?

5. Which of the following films does Mary use to demonstrate her theories about traditional gender roles?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Mary's views about discontinuity change as she completed this book?

2. What leads Mary to the statement that all five of the women profiled in the book are "idealists"?

3. How does Mary feel about skepticism?

4. How do the multiple roles women fill in their daily life affect their self-identity?

5. In what way does Mary compare caretaking to music?

6. What does Mary mean when she says that all five of the women in the book are "conservers"?

7. In what ways is leading multiple lives similar to having "heightened wisdom"?

8. How is the Project Hope homeless shelter different than the Pine Street Inn?

9. What is the main difference between men and women in regards to "multiple lives"?

10. What type of food did Mary cook for Barkev when they were first married?

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

In the final chapter of the book, Mary discusses global humanity. First, describe Mary's views on global humanity and explain how this expansive topic fits into her theme of composing a life. How does the idea of global humanity relate back to the interviews with the five women and their journey toward "synergy"? Finally, explain what message the reader walks away from this book with, particularly in relation to the themes of the final chapter. Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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