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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 Kathleen's accompanist feel about Kathleen's voice?

2. When her father is gone, how does Kathleen treat her younger sisters?

3. How often does Kathleen write home, after moving to New York?

4. In what room of the house did Mumma die?

5. When Mercedes remembers the incident at the river, what did she think Frances was bathing?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Mumma die?

2. What is James's job in battle, and how does he manage to survive?

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

4. What nightmare does Lily have after hearing about Ambrose's death?

5. Where does James get the money to start his new business upon returning home?

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

7. What does James do for a living?

8. What is James's reaction to Ambrose's death?

9. Why does Materia feel guilty about her expectations for James's future in the army?

10. What motivates James to join the army?

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

There are many scenes throughout the novel in which characters bathe each other. Choose at least two of these scenes and describe them here. What symbolism might be found in these scenes of bathing? Does the bathing seem appropriate or inappropriate given the familial relationships? Why? In what ways do the scenes of bathing parallel the family's obsession with religion? Do you think this bathing helps or harms the family? Why? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Describe Mercedes' personal ambitions in life. What did she hope would happen to her when she was an adult? In what ways did she work toward those goals? Then, explain what happened to Mercedes when she was an adult. Did her dreams come to fruition? Why or why not? Finally, describe the sacrifice Materia made to ensure that Mercedes have a safe and bright future. In the end, do you think that sacrifice was worth it? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your argument.

(see the answer keys)

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