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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 Materia's fourth daughter, who only lives a few days before her death?

2. Which of the following Piper women waits hopefully everyday for James's death notice to arrive?

3. Who acts as the go-between for Materia and her mother during the time she and her family live in Sydney?

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

5. What is Ambrose buried in?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does James do for a living?

2. What talent does Kathleen show as a baby, and what is James's reaction to this talent?

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

4. What motivates James to join the army?

5. How does Materia respond to her first pregnancy?

6. What story does Frances tell Lily about the christening gown?

7. What did Mercedes think was happening when she watched the incident at the creek?

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

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

10. Who is Mrs. Luvovitz?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout her life, Frances has a strange relationship with Teresa Taylor, the Mahmoud's maid. First, describe how Frances and Teresa first met. Then, explain how Frances and Teresa's lives were intertwined without either of them ever knowing it. Do you think Teresa's presence in Frances's life was a blessing or a curse? Why? Finally, explain how Teresa and Frances finally amended their strange relationship in the hospital. What was the effect of these amends on each of their lives? Be sure to include examples from the text to 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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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