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

2. What is the name of Mercedes' best friend?

3. What is the name of Materia's fourth daughter, who only lives a few days before her death?

4. Which of Kathleen's family members unexpectedly shows up for her first recital performance?

5. What is Ambrose buried in?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does baby Ambrose die?

2. What is the last thing Kathleen sees before she dies?

3. What is significant about Daddy's position in the armchair in the photograph of him described in the novel's prologue?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In school, Kathleen is clearly ostracized by her peers. First, describe the type of student Kathleen was in school. What were her strengths? What were her weaknesses? Then, describe, with specific examples, the way Kathleen was treated in school. Why do you think she was treated this way? Do you think she deserved this type of treatment? Why or why not? Finally, who, if anyone, is to blame for Kathleen's maltreatment in school? Kathleen herself? The students? Or someone else? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Racism is large theme that is present in the novel. First, describe the overt racism that is present in the novel, citing at least two specific examples from the text. Then, choose one character from the Piper family and describe his or her personal relationship with racism. How did racism affect the person's external relationships with others and internal feelings with self? How does the racism present in the novel reflect the era in which the novel is set? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout Lily's upbringing, she hears lies regarding where she came from and why she is alive, particularly from her older sister Frances. First, describe the web of lies Frances and the rest of the family constructed regarding Lily's heritage. When does Lily begin to realize these stories are fabrications? What is her reaction to this unraveling of truth? Why do you think the Piper family felt it necessary to lie to Lily about her past? Were they trying to protect her, or did they have other, darker motivations in the lies? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen their arguments.

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