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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 type of business does Uncle Jameel own?

2. Why doesn't James want to remember Armistice Day?

3. How far along is Frances when her pregnancy begins to show?

4. What does Frances plan to do with her earnings from working for her Uncle Jameel?

5. Where does Mercedes pray?

Short Essay Questions

1. What light does Rose shed on the real father of Kathleen's babies?

2. What happens to Francess' baby shortly after its birth?

3. What truth does Frances finally reveal to Lily before she leaves for Mabou to give birth?

4. How did Rose and Kathleen fall in love?

5. What happens to Mercedes after her high school graduation?

6. How does Frances spy on Leo Taylor?

7. Who is Ginger?

8. How does Mercedes feel about school?

9. How does Frances seduce Leo Taylor?

10. How does Boutros 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

Lily is often described as an eerie child with special powers in the spiritual world. First, describe Lily's relationship with her dead brother, Ambrose. In what ways does Ambrose come to Lily and "speak" to her. How do these conversations with Ambrose inform Lily's understanding of Piper family dynamics? Then, describe Mercedes' religious reaction to Lily's spirituality. What hopes and fears does she have for Lily's future? Finally, describe Lily's own reaction to her communing with spirits. What, if anything, does she wish she could change about herself? Why? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout his fatherhood, James has worked a variety of jobs to support his family. First, create a time line of James's employment throughout the novel. Which jobs did he most enjoy? Which did he least enjoy? What traits about each of the jobs make them similar? Then, explain how these jobs help to characterize James not only as a man but as a father? What symbolism can be found in James's line of work? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

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