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. Where was the job with Elitch Gardens located that Alan was offered?

2. After her trip to Mexico, where did Dorothy return?

3. Why did most of the writers from the East Coast end up in Hollywood?

4. What did Alan have installed in the house that he saw in a movie?

5. What was the second cause Dorothy becomes involved in during 1936?

Short Essay Questions

1. Dorothy was advised to write a will, though her assets were modest. Who did Dorothy leave her estate to? What all did her estate include?

2. What about working in Hollywood did Dorothy find relieving?

3. What happened in Dorothy's career that was difficult for her?

4. While traveling to Europe after her dog, Robinson, passed, who did Dorothy connect with? What other event happened while Dorothy and Mary were in transit? Why did she feel a connection to this woman and what did she end up doing that greatly affected Dorthy?

5. What events led to the marriage between Dorothy and Alan?

6. What was Dorothy and Alan's reason for leaving California?

7. In 1967, Marcella Cisney proposed to Dorothy the production of "A Dorothy Parker Portfolio", Dorothy gave her full support. How did this production give Dorothy the last say in her life?

8. What brought Dorothy to California for again? How did she feel about going back?

9. What about Dorothy and Alan's relationship changed after Alan went to basic training?

10. What significant event happened to Dorothy's relationship with Robert Benchley in 1937?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Dorothy's novella, Big Blonde, was reportedly the best piece she ever wrote. It not only was the most autobiographical work that Dorothy ever wrote but its publication and the writing process was different for her. What about the novella was a turning point in her personal life and her career?

Essay Topic 2

In Dorothy's later years, many people took her in and helped her with the personal and career complications in her life. Many of these people were people Dorothy had only just met or were almost perfect strangers. Why did these people feel the need to keep Dorothy afloat? What did they see in her that she didn't see in herself? How did their involvement in her life effect Dorothy?

Essay Topic 3

What about Dorothy's involvement in the Communist party stood out? Did Dorothy know everything she needed to know about the groups she involved herself in? Was she fully aware of what the Communist party stood for?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 860 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample