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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. What most impresses Cressida's suitors about her?

2. Besides her accompanist, what else is Poppas to Cressida?

3. What type of child was Cressida?

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

5. Why do Cressida's sisters believe Poppas remains in Cressida's life?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is an indication that Cressida is not so star struck over her own fame that she pays attention to others, when those who are poor and not well known?

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

3. Why does Cressida wait to travel alone on the Titanic instead of leaving London a week earlier with Horace and Poppas?

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

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

6. Do you believe Poppas deserves to receive the fifty-thousand dollar bequest from Cressida's estate?

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

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

9. Describe Carrie's trip to the docks to hear the reading of the names of the survivors from the Titanic.

10. What happens that causes Cressida to become flustered?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Another aspect of art which Cather seems to explore is the idea of art for art's sake versus producing art as a means of earning a living. 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 artists have to worry about earning a living or should they receive some sort of stipend out of public funding? Discuss your ideas fully.

2. Discuss the patronage system that has existed in the art world for centuries. Include a discussion of several famous artists who were only able to produce their art because a wealthy patron took care of their day-to-day necessities.

3. In the 21st century, many cultures subsidize artists so they can produce art without worrying about things such as food and shelter. If all artists had to make a living with their art, what sort of impact would this have on culture? Would the quality of art improve or decline? What about the quantity?

Essay Topic 2

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 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.

(see the answer keys)

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