View a FREE sample

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. Who gave Joan's son Jon a blood transfusion when he was sick in the hospital?

3. Which woman claims to be completely unable to manage multi-tasking?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Mary's definition of wisdom?

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

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

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

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

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

7. How does Mary feel about skepticism?

8. In what way does Ellen's home define her life?

9. What two metaphors does Mary use to describe her emotions in dealing with the Amherst presidency?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Homelessness is a huge theme in the book, both literally and metaphorically. First, describe the state of homelessness in Boston at the time of the book's creation. What did Mary learn about herself and her society as care givers based on her research into homelessness? Then, explain how the theme of homelessness is used as a metaphor in the book to discuss a woman's role, both in her family and her community. Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

All of the women in the novel struggle with their roles as women in the workplace. Choose two women from the text and explain how their gender affects their role in the workplace. In what ways do gender-inequalities keep the women in the book down? In what ways do the women in the book use these inequalities for their advantage? In the end, what message do you think Bateson is sending to young female readers about their value in the workplace? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,059 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample