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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. Clement wants to build a house near ______________.

2. Who speaks with donors involving summer houses and social clubs?

3. Who feels themselves being tied to a life they do not want?

4. Whom does Theresa enjoy having to herself all day?

5. Whose voice does Amanda hear coming from both Ruth and Imogene?

Short Essay Questions

1. What causes Hilda to finally leave Carl's?

2. Who is Hilda Grossman? What is her role in the novel?

3. How do Amanda and Clement meet?

4. Why can't Amanda face returning to the island?

5. What does Clement convince Theresa to invest in?

6. What happens on the morning when Ruth cries for her mother?

7. Discuss the narration in Part 1, Chapter 1.

8. What happens on a hot July day in Part 2, Chapter 10?

9. What causes a doctor to recommend that Amanda should go to St. Michael's?

10. Who is Bert Weiss?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Setting is heavily used in "Drowning Ruth." Discuss and explain how dialogue is used in the story and why it plays such a large role. Cite examples from the text in order to support your response.

Essay Topic 2

Ruth is the main character in the novel. She has many ideas involving the death of Mathilda, her mother. Discuss any foils that stand in Ruth's way when she tries to learn the truth about her mother's drowning.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the motives and motivations behind Amanda giving her daughter to Mary Louise.

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