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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. In Chapter 111a., Robbins writes, "____ is nothing more than an identification or illumination of common objects and everyday events until they shine with their singular nature."

2. Dr. Robbins believes that the central problem facing the human race is what?

3. What is the Chink stitching in Chapter 72?

4. What type of accident does the artisan have who created the village given to Sissy?

5. Who kisses Sissy when she returns to the ranch in Chapter 104?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Sissy learn of the happenings of the Rubber Rose Ranch in Part 5?

2. Who is Professor Nelson, and what interaction does she have with the cowgirls in Part Five?

3. What is Robbins representing symbolically by the confrontations of Sissy in Part Five, with the Countess and Julian?

4. What is the state of Sissy at the end of the novel? What are her plans for the future?

5. When Sissy goes to see the Chink in Part Five, what takes place on the ranch?

6. What do the whooping cranes represent symbolically in the text?

7. In Part Five, when does the Countess visit, and what does he have to say to Sissy about the whopping cranes?

8. What does the Chink tell Sissy of the role of women in religion in Part Four?

9. When does Sissy return to New York in Part Four, and what does she find upon her arrival?

10. What takes place on the Rubber Rose Ranch in Chapters 52-62 between the cowgirls and Sissy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What themes does Robbins introduce in "Single Cell Preface"? What is the symbolic meaning of the amoeba to the plot and themes of the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of gender equality and women's empowerment in the novel. How does Robbins illustrate this theme through symbolism?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the symbolic and thematic meaning behind Sissy's thumbs in the novel. What larger concept does the author use them to represent? How?

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