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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. How does the crowd react to Kathleen during her first recital performance?

2. How does Kathleen's accompanist feel about Kathleen's voice?

3. Who takes the blame for moving the rocks around Ambrose's grave?

4. What is James's reaction to burying Ambrose?

5. How old was Frances at the time of her mother's death?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the reaction of Materia's parents to her marriage?

2. What film stars do the Piper girls idolize?

3. What is James obsessed with during his deployment, and how does that fuel his future upon returning home?

4. What is the Mahmoud family's reaction to Kathleen's death?

5. What is James's reaction to the news that his wife Materia is dead?

6. How does Kathleen treat her younger sisters when no one else is around?

7. What deal does Materia make with "the demon" to protect her second born daughter Mercedes?

8. What terrible decision is Materia forced into when she helps her daughter Kathleen give birth to twins?

9. How does Materia respond to her first pregnancy?

10. What does Mercedes say one could use as rosary beads in case a proper rosary wasn't available?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe Frances's relationship with her Uncle Jameel and cousin Boutros. How do each of these men feel about Frances? In what ways does Uncle Jameel's treatment of Frances parallel James's treatment of Frances? How do each of these men affect Frances's sexual awakening? Which man do you think has a larger impact on Frances's sexuality? Why? Finally, describe Boutros's relationship with Frances. In what ways is his treatment of Frances different than anyone else's? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

One major theme of the novel is the parallels between the daughters' sexual awakenings. Choose two of the Piper daughters and describe their sexual awakenings. How old were they when they had their sexual awakenings? Did these experiences have a positive or negative effect on their lives? How did these awakenings come about? Then, explain what message you think MacDonald is sending to the reader about the sexual awakening of young girls. Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

The idea of demons and devils is ever present in the novel. First, describe James's demon. Where did the demon come from? What does it tempt him to do? How does James try to overcome his demon's power? Then, compare / contrast James's demon to Frances's devil. Where does Frances believe her devil came from? What does it tempt her to do? What do you think the presence of demons and devils symbolizes in the Piper family history? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

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