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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. What is the purpose of the item that Larry hangs on the wall?

2. What does Charity tell her mother and aunt about Sid?

3. A picnic has been planned for later today at _______________________.

4. Who takes care of Charity's children most of the time?

5. What does Sid ask Larry?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is the dominant person in each of the two marriages?

2. Explain the flashback the author uses to describe the beginning of Sid and Charity's courtship.

3. What is the setting for the beginning of the novel?

4. Compare Sid and Larry's views on what constitutes good writing.

5. Even though he was relishing some time alone, how does Larry actually deal with so much time by himself?

6. Describe Sid's first encounter with Charity's mother.

7. Explain how Larry and Charity are very much alike in their work ethics and life management skills.

8. What good news does Larry receive at the beginning of Part 1: Chapter 8?

9. What happens that gives Larry a bad premonition?

10. Describe how the author introduces the reader to Larry Morgan at the beginning of the novel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the setting at the beginning of the novel. Does the author paint a complete picture for the reader? What, if anything, is missing?

Essay Topic 2

Describe the similarities of Sid and Charity's backgrounds. What insecurities do they share? What confidences do they share? How have their backgrounds made them into the people they are today?

Essay Topic 3

Explain how Charity wants to model her marriage and household after her mother's style. What are some of Charity's expectations? What happens when the expectations fall short?

(see the answer keys)

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