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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. To what does Mary compare the experience of being nominated for presidency but never taking the position?

2. Which of the following is NOT a building Mary claims can be "a joint composition"?

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

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

5. To what food item did Joan compare her first home with Erik?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Mary hope to write about in her next book?

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

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

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

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

6. What is Mary's definition of wisdom?

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

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

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

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

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

In many ways, composing an identity is much like composing a life. Fist, describe the way most individuals compose their own identity. Do people generally have one or many identities? Choose one woman from the book and list the characteristics of her identity or identities. In what ways is does this formation of identity inform the title of the book? In what way is composed identity similar to a composed life? 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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