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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. On what condition does Tadpole allow Ursa to start work again?

2. What does Mutt's cousin ask Ursa that makes her mad?

3. What is the name of the place where Ursa and Mutt stay together?

4. What does the man between her legs say to Ursa in her dream?

5. What does Tadpole say his father did after the war?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Tadpole tell Ursa about his father and what he did with his savings? What was the result of that?

2. Who comes to visit Cat while Ursa is staying there? What does Ursa overhear Cat say about her?

3. After her second checkup, what does the doctor tell Ursa she can do? Who has apprehensions about this?

4. While Ursa is staying at Cat's place, what does Cat tell Ursa about Tadpole? What does she say about Mutt?

5. When Jeffy comes to sleep in Ursa's room, what does Ursa offer him? How is this offer revoked later in the night?

6. What does Cat tell Ursa about her past? How does their conversation end?

7. What does Tadpole say about where his father is? What does Ursa tell Tadpole about her father?

8. When Tadpole visits Ursa to make amends for what he did, what does he tell Ursa? What is Ursa's response to this?

9. What does Tadpole tell Ursa her hair looks like? What question is Ursa afraid to ask Tadpole after he says this?

10. When Tadpole is concerned about the dark circles underneath Ursa's eyes, what does she tell him? What does the doctor prescribe?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay on the symbolism behind Ursa's change of voice in the novel. Does the change represent something more than a physical change? Cite specific examples from the text to support your responses.

Essay Topic 2

Ursa sings the blues onstage. Write an essay on the theme of self expression in the form of song in the novel. Why is Ursa only able to express herself through song? What conflicts does this lead to in her life? Cite specific examples from the text to support your responses.

Essay Topic 3

Sexuality is an important element in the novel. It defines a person both physically and emotionally. Write an essay on the role of sexuality in the novel. Cite specific examples from the text to support your responses.

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