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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 is the narrator of the novel when the reader learns about Materia's funeral?

2. Where does James sell his barrels of bootleg liquor?

3. How does Kathleen feel about New York when she finally moves there?

4. What is strange about James's reaction to Kathleen striking the piano keys?

5. What does Teresa Taylor give to Frances that infuriates Kathleen?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is James's reaction when he realizes that someone has moved the stones around Ambrose's grave?

3. What motivates James to join the army?

4. How does Kathleen react when Teresa Taylor, the Mahmoud's maid, pays the Piper family a visit?

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

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

7. What is the reaction to Kathleen's talent when she arrives in New York City?

8. How does life in the Piper household change, once James is deployed?

9. Who is put in charge of raising the family when Materia dies?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

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

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.

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