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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 topics most interested Mary Bateson's father in his writing?

2. Why didn't Mary ever step up as president at the college where she once worked?

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

4. What does Mary compare to "an obese bully"?

5. Which of the women identifies herself primarily as a dancer?

Short Essay Questions

1. What has changed about caretaking in recent years, according to Mary's research on society?

2. Why did Jon need a blood transfusion when he was young?

3. What was Mary Bateson's father's thesis in his writings about ecology?

4. How does Mary feel about skepticism?

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

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

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

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

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

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 chapter seven, Mary Bateson makes the statement that Americans are more comfortable giving things away completely than sharing. What do you think Bateson means by this saying? Do you agree with her? Why or why not? Finally, explain how you think this statement relates to the five women presented in the novel. Does this statement summarize any one woman or relationship in the text? If so, how? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout Mary's life, and particularly during her time at Amherst, Mary was subjected to the ugliness in the world, and in people. First, describe why Mary would consider her time at Amherst to be negative. What lessons did Mary learn about herself and society during that time? Then, describe the advice Mary gives to readers who also fear the loss of innocence and disillusionment in the world. Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the book, Bateson gives many different examples of ways that individuals care for themselves and those around them. First, define the three different ways one can act as a caregiver, and give examples from the text to support your definitions. Then, choose one woman from the text and explain why you believe she is the best examples of a well-rounded caregiver. What are the benefits of being a good caregiver? What are the downfalls? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

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