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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. From what children's book does the author's father's read to her in the bedtime panel in Chapter 1?

2. What is the name of the author's youngest brother?

3. Over how many years does the author say her father restored their home?

4. What does the word "qualmish" mean in Chapter 3?

5. How does the author describe Joan after their meeting in Chapter 3?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What symbolism does the author illuminate in her father's library in Chapter 3?

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

4. What does the title of Chapter 4, "In the Shadow of the Young Girls in Flower" allude to?

5. What symbolism is related to the Swiss Army knife that appears in Chapter 3?

6. How does the author describe her father's love of gardening in Chapter 4?

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

8. What facts are established through the author's exposition in Chapters 1 and 2?

9. How does the author describe her parents' first meeting in Chapter 3?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and discuss the characterization of the author's mother, Helen Bechdel in the memoir. How would you describe the relationship between Alison and Helen Bechdel? What did Helen Bechdel study and how does the author describe her mother's talents?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss some of the elements of irony in Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic. What are examples of dramatic, situational, and verbal irony in the narrative? Why does the author employ irony? What are the effects of each example on the reader?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the nonlinear structure of Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic. In what ways is the narrative nonlinear? Why do you think the author chose to relate her story in this format? How does the author build tension in a nonlinear narrative style?

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