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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. Who does Mildred point out that she is nothing like?

2. What is Helena's last name?

3. How does Helena react when Everard says that he is going away for awhile?

4. Where has Helena recently returned from?

5. What is the president's wife doing at the speech?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Mildred first meet Helena, and why does this embarrass her?

2. Why does Mildred visit the Malory house in Chapter 7, and what does she do while there?

3. What does Mildred discuss with the Malorys while having dinner with them?

4. Describe the Malorys.

5. When Dora comes to visit, what do they do together?

6. How does Helena react when Everard comments that he will be going away, and what does she do later to contradict this reaction?

7. Describe Mildred's new neighbor, Helena.

8. Who is Everard Bone?

9. What does Mildred tell the reader about her childhood?

10. Describe Rockingham Napier.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the title of the novel. Who are "excellent women"? What are they known for? Who are excellent women in the novel? Is this a derogatory term or a title to wear with pride?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the role of the church in Mildred's life. Why is it important to her? What does the church provide for Mildred besides a location for worship? How does Mildred's background relate to the church?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the protagonist of the novel Excellent Women, Mildred Lathbury. What are Mildred's defining characteristics? What struggles or obstacles does she face throughout the narrative? Does Mildred grow throughout the novel?

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