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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. Who are two relatives accompanying the famous singer?

2. When Carrie last saw Cressida, to whom was Cressida married?

3. Who despise(s) Poppas?

4. How do Carrie and Cressida first meet?

5. Who is the famous singer boarding a cruise ship in New York City?

Short Essay Questions

1. As time passes, he appears that Bouchalka has no ambition and has not done any composing for quite some time. What is a possible reason for this?

2. How do the letters which Cressida's family submit in their claims that Poppas should not receive a bequest demonstrate the character of Cressida's family?

3. How might Cressida's death on the Titanic be symbolic of her life?

4. Describe a little about the relationship between Cressida and her two sisters.

5. At what do Cressida's sisters marvel about Cressida and how is that not completely true?

6. What are signs that Bouchalka may not be quite as dedicated a musician as Cressida believes.

7. Poppas spends his entire adult life creating one star. What do you think he gains from this dedication?

8. Could Cressida be characterized as a musical genius? Explain your answer.

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Although the term "co-dependence" was not known at the time when Cressida was alive, it is a concept that has been in practice for centuries. Answer the following questions in a well-developed essay using detailed examples from the book and from your own life experience:

1. Define the term "co-dependence" as used in a therapeutic sense.

2. Choose several situations that are described in the book involving Cressida and her inner circle and discuss whether you think she makes wise and healthy choices--or co-dependent ones.

3. Are there any situations in your life that seem similar (perhaps on a smaller scale) to that of Cressida's life? After reading this story, does it motivate you to change any part of your own interactions with those who are close to you?

Essay Topic 2

At the end of the section concerning Bouchalka, Cressida divorces him when she finds him engaged in sexual relations with the cook. 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. Should Cressida have forgiven Bouchalka and continued in the marriage? Why or Why not? Do you think if she had, Bouchalka would have stay faithful? Why or why not?

2. Is it realistic to expect a long-term relationship to be absolutely monogamous? Why or Why not? What are the benefits of monogamy? The cons?

3. Some couples choose to have an open relationship and accept that his/her partner will sometimes have other sexual liaisons. Is this a workable way to conduct a relationship? What are the pros and cons to such an arrangement?

Essay Topic 3

Cressida is described by various adjectives throughout the story, as well as through her actions. Answer the following questions in a well-developed essay using detailed examples from the book and from your own life experience:

1. Name three of Cressida's most outstanding characteristics and give an example of it in the story.

2. Is Cressida presented as a well-rounded character? Why or why not? Give examples to support your stance.

3. Would those characteristics thought to be admirable of Cressida in her era still be considered admirable today? Name the characteristics you consider and explain your stance.

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