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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. To which of the following activities does Mary compare the process of composing an identity?

3. How many faculty members worked below Mary at the college where she once worked?

4. According to Mary, why don't women go home to relax?

5. Which of the women in the book regularly starts their evening meals with an Armenian prayer?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Historically, what members of society usually take the role of caretakers?

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

5. In what ways does Johnnetta's home define her life?

6. Why didn't Mary ever become president of Amherst University?

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

8. How does Mary feel about skepticism?

9. What prompted Mary's identity crisis after high school?

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

In what ways is wisdom gained through life? Mary has very specific ideas about how one becomes "wise". Explain those ideas in a brief essay using one of the women in the book as an example. What path did this woman take in her pursuit of wisdom? What different types of wisdom did she gain? Do you think all her efforts were consciously in the pursuit of wisdom? How can you tell? 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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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