1. 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?

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

3. What in the events of Cressida getting to know Bouchalka might be a hint to Cressida that Bouchalka might ultimately prove an unreliable spouse?

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

5. Who is the main character featured at the opening of the novel and what is her situation?

6. Describe Carrie's initial encounter with Cressida and her son and sister.

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Once a story, novel, or movie has been experienced in its entirety, it is obvious where there are instances of foreshadowing. Answer the following questions in a well-developed essay using detailed examples from the book and from your own life experience:

1. Explain the technique of foreshadowing used in this story.

2. Describe some situations that can be considered foreshadowing. Why are they examples of foreshadowing?

3. What are the benefits of using foreshadowing?

4. Is foreshadowing necessary in order for the writer to be fair to the reader? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Cather ends the story with a quote in German. 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. Find a translation of the quote on the Internet or ask a German-speaking person to translate it and then write an essay as to how that quote is or is not relevant to your life.

2. Find a translation of the quote on the Internet or ask a German-speaking person to translate it and then write an essay as to how that quote illustrates the major theme of this story.

3. After translating this quote via the Internet or other means, write an essay as to whether you think this is the best quote with which to end this story. Explain. Come up with an alternate quote that you think is as relevant or more relevant and explain why you think this way.

(see the answer keys)

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