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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. How is Charity characterized?

2. What did Larry and Sally name their daughter?

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

4. What is Sid and Charity's last name?

5. How many children do Charity and her husband have?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the range of emotions that Larry experiences within a 24-hour period.

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

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

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

5. In spite of their challenges, what is the state of Larry and Sally's marriage?

6. What housing do Larry and Sally find when they reach Wisconsin?

7. Explain the flashback that the author uses in Part 1: Chapter 2.

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

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

10. What is Larry's first recollection of meeting Charity?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Furthering the Adam and Eve metaphor, the author introduces the metaphor of a snake. What is the snake in the marriage of Charity and Sid? In the relationship between the two couples? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

It seems as if Charity has every privilege and advantage in life and encounters almost no challenges while Sally has to struggle in fundamental things like giving birth and walking. Why does the author characterize these two women in these ways? What points is he trying to make?

Essay Topic 3

What conflicts become apparent in the marriage of Sid and Charity? What resentments build as a result? How do they punish each other as the marriage ages?

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