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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. What is the name of the school Kathleen was enrolled in as a child?

2. What rushes from Ambrose's mouth during Lily's nightmares?

3. Why doesn't Kathleen mind that she has no friends in school?

4. How does James react when Kathleen sneaks up behind him and strikes the keys while he is tuning the piano?

5. Who does James put in charge of raising the new baby after Materia's death?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the difference between Other Lily and baby Ambrose, both who died in infancy?

3. What wakes Mercedes up in the middle of the night on the evening before Materia's death?

4. How does James react when Kathleen sneaks up behind him and strikes a chord while his is tuning a piano?

5. What is the response to Kathleen's first public singing recital?

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

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

8. How does James adjust to life at home with Kathleen living in New York?

9. Who is Mrs. Luvovitz?

10. How does baby Ambrose die?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout her life, Kathleen has nightmares about Pete the scarecrow. Describe at least two nightmares Kathleen has, and her reaction to these dreams. What do you think Pete symbolized in Kathleen's life? Describe the final nightmare Kathleen had about Pete, in the moments before she died. What is symbolic about this vision? In the moment of her death, do you think Kathleen finally understood what Pete the scarecrow meant? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Both Materia and Mercedes have a strong Catholic faith. First, describe Materia's religious beliefs and how she passed them on to her daughter. Then, describe Mercedes' religious beliefs. In what ways does religion affect Mercedes' daily life? Which relationship do you think is most affected by Mercedes' religious beliefs? What troubles arise due to Mercedes' zeal? Finally, explain whether or not you believe religion has a positive or negative impact on the Piper family, and why. 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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