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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 feeling does Walter bring to Alice's home?

2. What is NOT something that Alice does in Tuscon?

3. Who cares for Nonna's property?

4. Where do Alice and Arthur sometimes nap?

5. What is one thing the unreliables take from Aunt Frances?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do Aunt Frances and Arlette take charge of unpacking Mother's things?

2. How does Arthur help to form an image of Mother?

3. Why do you think Alice and her mother have the same name?

4. Was Father a happy man?

5. Do you think Father intended to take his family to Florida?

6. Why is Florida important to Alice?

7. What are Aunt Frances' priorities?

8. Is it good for Alice to spend time with Mother?

9. Describe Walter's departure.

10. Describe the Big House.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The fates of several characters in the book seem to be tied to their will to live and capacity for hope. Evaluate each of the following characters based on those criteria: Mother, Father, Arthur, Alice's Walter, and Alice.

Essay Topic 2

What motivates the greed, if you think they are greedy, of the following characters in the story: Uncle Billy, Alice, Mother, Aunt Frances?

Essay Topic 3

Do you think 15-year-old Alice's behavior of staying out late and being involved with boys is understandable, immoral or risky? Explain your answers to each of these three judgments with evidence from the story and your own personal opinion.

(see the answer keys)

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