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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. When Cressida makes the statement in Part II that she "very nearly escaped her destiny," of what might this be an example?

2. How could Cressida's approach to her career be described?

3. How does Carrie view the relationship between Cressida and Poppas?

4. Of what does Cressida disapprove about her son?

5. Several themes are apparent in Part 2; one theme might be what?

Short Essay Questions

1. Do you think any of the men who drive down to hear the names truly cares about Cressida's death?

2. When Carrie mentions Cressida's engagement, what is Cressida's response?

3. Briefly describe Carrie's initial meeting with Bouchalka at Cressida's home on Sunday.

4. What is thought about the musical score which Bouchalka has sent to Cressida?

5. How does the last paragraphs about the photograph Poppas sends reflect an important theme of this story?

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

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

8. Describe a little of what the narrator gives as Cressida's early life.

9. What are some facts which Cressida learns about Bouchalka on her Sunday gathering? Is there anything in what Cressida relates to Carrie about Bouchalka that seems to foreshadow the eventual failure of his marriage to Cressida?

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

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

Family relationships are a recurrent theme throughout this story. In Cressida's case, she seems to have a fairly parasitic relationship with her family members. 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. How much obligation does a person have to their parents? Siblings? Other family members? Explain your answers using specific examples.

2. For a child who is raised in an abusive home (whether sexual, verbal, or physical or some combination thereof), it seems that child as an adult often responds to his/her family in one of two ways: 1. S/he continues to try to "please" the abuser and others who allowed the abuse or (2.) They reject the abuser and those associated with the abuser and have nothing further to do with them. Are either of these responses healthy? How do you think you would respond? Explains in as far as you are comfortable. What is a possible compromise to these two extremes?

3. Why do you believe Cressida allows her family and husbands to take such outrageous advantage of her? Would you do so in her situation?

4. How would you treat your family members were you very wealthy if they were of the ilk that Cressida's family is? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

As Carrie is strolling about the ship, she comes upon Cressida and her son and sister. Cressida and Carrie immediately stroll together to talk. Answer the following questions in a well-developed essay using detailed examples from the book and from your own life experience.

1. Who is Carrie in relationship to Cressida?

2. Would you characterize Carrie as a loyal and sincere friend? Give examples to support your stance.

3. Cary is the narrator of the story; what is the perspective of her narration? Is the perspective effective? How would the story change if written the perspective changes? What if Julia or Horace were the narrator?

(see the answer keys)

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