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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 word from Chapter 1 refers to skillful use of one's hands when performing conjuring tricks?

2. What gift did the author's mother give to Joan immediately after Bruce's funeral?

3. What was the name of Bruce Bechdel's brother?

4. What gift does the author describe having bought for herself after receiving a letter from her mother after coming out in Chapter 3?

5. Who is the babysitter that Alison Bechdel's mother described her father having an affair with during their phone call in Chapter 3?

Short Essay Questions

1. What symbolism does the author relate to the obelisk in Chapter 2?

2. How and why does the author allude to It's a Wonderful Life in Chapter 1?

3. What allusions are made to the works of F. Scott Fitgerald in Chapter 3?

4. What does the title of Chapter 2, "A Happy Death" allude to?

5. How affectionate does the author describe her family when growing up?

6. What literary allusions does the author make in describing her mother in Chapter 3?

7. How does the author describe her "coming out" to her parents in Chapter 3?

8. How would you describe the language style of Fun Home?

9. How does the author describe her impressions of her father's death in Chapter 2?

10. From what narrative perspective is Fun Home related? Why do you think the author chose this perspective?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and discuss the style of the illustrations in Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic. What colors predominate the images? Why do you think these colors were chosen? How do the pictures in the book help the reader relate to the story?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss the community where the author grew up. How large was Bechdel's hometown? Where geographically is it located? What is the topography like in the region? How would you describe the community atmosphere?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss the relationships between Bruce Bechdel, Roy, and Bill in the narrative. How did these relationships develop? How did they end? How does the author feel about these relationships?

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