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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. Why does Antonia think that she does not need to talk to Dr. DiLeo?

2. Why does Jazz feel guilty about her relationship with friends?

3. Tillie says their empty house feels like what?

4. After Antonia has seen her mother in the hospital, what does she think about her mother's condition?

5. According to Karen, why do so many people with clinical depression suffer relapses?

Short Essay Questions

1. Several times throughout the book, the term "ya-ya" is used with reference to Antonia. What is the significance of this term?

2. Why does Jazz feel guilty about her friends hearing her play?

3. Explain Antonia's reaction to Karen.

4. Discuss Jazz's dream.

5. Describe the Abeytas and their importance to the story.

6. What memory comes back to Antonia when she hears Jazz play "Prelude to the Afternoon of a Fawn"?

7. Explain why Jazz never wants to play the polonaise again.

8. Explain why Antonia tells Jazz that her foster family are ugly, evil little gones who keep them locked up?

9. As nice as the Abeytas are, how does Antonia feel about staying at their house?

10. What do Antonia and Jazz decide to do to give Mrs. Bartoli a lesson on stereotyping?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Stereotyping by appearance is a theme that runs throughout the novel, Define Normal. Select three different examples of stereotyping in the novel and discuss how each example affects the life of at least one character.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Antonia's relationship with her father and why she would rather lie about the real relationship than tell the truth. What impact does Antonia's relationship - or lack of relationship - have on her life?

Essay Topic 3

Jazz is easily the most colorful character in the book. Discuss how her use of clothing becomes part of her identity. As part of your discussion, declare whether or not you think Jazz's identity - as proclaimed by her wardrobe - is genuine.

(see the answer keys)

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