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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 does Carrie view the relationship between Cressida and Poppas?

2. How could Poppas be described in relation to Cressida in a non-professional context?

3. What is the name of Cressida's other sister who is not on the ship?

4. Whom do Cressida's sisters blame for the failure of Cressida's second marriage?

5. A second theme apparent in Part 2 might be what?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Carrie describe Cressida's older brother and what do you think is the tone of that description?

2. What does Carrie describe as Cressida's bad luck and what would be Cressida's good luck?

3. What happens that causes Cressida to become flustered?

4. Why does the narrator believe managers often choose Cressida over other more talented stars?

5. Who is not traveling with Cressida and what is one possible explanation for that?

6. Describe Cressida's traveling companions.

7. In what ways does Cressida again show her compassion and helps Bouchalka? How might this affect Bouchalka in the long run?

8. Of what does nights like the one Cressida and Carrie are enjoying at Central Park remind Cressida?

9. What does the narrator say about Poppas's talents?

10. Describe how the conversation between Cressida and Carrie lapses into a bit of melancholy.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

An entire section of this story is devoted to an in-depth accounting of Cressida's relationship with Bouchalka, the Bohemian. Answer the following questions in a well-developed essay using detailed examples from the book and from your own life experience:

1. Briefly describe how Cressida meets Bouchalka and the development of their romance.

2. Does Bouchalka seem totally devoted to composing when he is first described? Why or why not?

3. Why do you think Bouchalka lost his motivation to compose once he was no longer "hungry"?

4. Do you think Bouchalka would have continued his career as an excellent composer if he had not become a "kept" man?

Essay Topic 2

In the very first paragraph of part 1, the readers see a well-known phenomenon which today is labeled paparazzi. Fame does not come without its costs, though most celebrities believe these costs are worth the fame. Answer the following questions in a well-developed essay using detailed examples from the book and from your life experience:

1. Define fame using both the dictionary and your own ideas of what fame means.

2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being famous?

3. Would you desire to be famous. Why or why not?

4. What do you think is the cost to Cressida for her fame?

Essay Topic 3

In the opening of this story, Cressida is about to embark upon a fourth marriage. Choose one of the following topics and write a well-developed essay using detailed examples from the book and from your own life experience:

1. Discuss each of Cressida's marriages in terms of the characteristics of the man she marries, his strengths and weaknesses, why she marries each particular man, and why the marriage ends.

2. Often is seems more difficult for a man to be married to a famous woman than the other way around. Do you believe this is true? Why or why not? Be sure to use examples to support your stance.

3. Discuss why Cressida marries rather than just has lovers, consider especially the era in which the story is set.

4. Is marriage an important institution in the world of the 21st century? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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