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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. According to Mary, when should caretaking be done?

2. Which of the following is the theme of the final chapter of "Composing a Life"?

3. According to Mary, what does a true artist take and turn into a masterpiece?

4. By enriching their lives, what else are the women in the book enriching?

5. Which woman would Mary most likely call "superwoman"?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Mary feel about skepticism?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 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.

(see the answer keys)

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