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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. From where is Cressida's family originally?

2. How does Cressida's trust in and loyalty to Poppas reflect some other aspect in her life?

3. What does Cressida do when she spies Carrie?

4. What is the narrator's name?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What does Carrie describe as Cressida's bad luck and what would be Cressida's good luck?

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

5. Who is Charley Wilton and what is his relationship with Cressida?

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

7. Give some examples that show how generous Cressida is with her time and money to those around her. Is generosity always a good thing?

8. 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?

9. Describe the scene when Cressida discovers Bouchalka in a compromising situation. Do you think she was wise to divorce him?

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

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

While Carrie and Cressida are chatting, Cressida says, "'It may mean that I still belong to the future more than to

the past, do you think?'" Knowing that Cressida's future turns out to be a watery grave on the bottom of the ocean, this passage could be considered an example of irony. Answer the following questions in a well-developed essay using detailed examples from the book and from your own life experience:

1. Define the word irony and give examples of it from your own life.

2. How does the use of irony enhance this story and literature in general?

3. There is a literary term called "dramatic irony." Define this term and see if you can find any instances of it in this story. Can you name other books or movies where you have encountered a dramatic ironic situation?

Essay Topic 3

Cressida's professional life was quite successful; however, her personal life is a mess. This often seems to be the case among artists, especially celebrities. 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. Compare and contrast Cressida's personal life with her professional life.

2. Compare and contrast 2 real-life celebrities' professional and personal lives (in as much as is reported about them).

3. Write an instructive essay on how one can maintain both a healthy private and professional life at the same time.

(see the answer keys)

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