View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Cressida explain her upcoming marriage to Carrie?

2. What drives a wedge between the sisters and Poppas?

3. From what ailment does Poppas suffer?

4. What in Cressida's life had scandalous potential?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Carrie learn of Cressida's upcoming performances in London?

2. Give a brief synopsis of what the reader knows about Cressida's marriages by the end of part one.

3. How does Poppas's relationship influence Cressida's relationship with her second husband?

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

5. Why do you think the sisters seem to tolerate Poppas?

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

7. What might give the reader an indication of the depth of friendship between Carrie and Cressida?

8. Discuss the interaction between Horace and Cressida near the end of Part one.

9. What happens that causes Cressida to become flustered?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,466 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample