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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. Why does Willa Jo want to go to the drugstore?

2. What is the only thing Noreen would do after Baby's death?

3. Little Sister almost slips off the roof when _____________________.

4. What does Aunt Patty say to Willa Jo that lets her know she is fed up with her?

5. Why does Little Sister say she had not spoken since Baby's death?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was the nuclear family of Willa Jo and Little Sister prior to Baby's birth?

2. Why do all the other girls blame Willa Jo when Miss Pettibone gets upset with them?

3. What message is Uncle Hob hoping the girls get from his story about staying with his grieving grandfather?

4. Why has Aunt Patty joined the others sitting on the roof?

5. What are Aunt Patty's laments regarding people's lack of appreciation for her?

6. What type of painting did Noreen create which she hoped would help the girls understand Baby's death?

7. Why does Aunt Patty suggest taking the girls home with her for awhile and how does Willa Jo secretly feel about it?

8. Even though Baby died at sunrise, what flicker of hope does a sunrise hold for the family?

9. What type of emotion does Aunt Patty show when she asks if Little Sister had drunk any of the water at the carnival?

10. What does Uncle Hob do to ingratiate himself to the girls while they're sitting on the roof?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a brief character study of Willa Jo. What did she look like? What were her positive personality traits? What were her dreams and fears? What was most valuable to her in her world?

Essay Topic 2

Describe Liz. What is her role in the story? What was the author trying to accomplish by developing Liz's character in the novel?

Essay Topic 3

Explain the significance of the book's title. What does the author mean by calling it simply "Getting Near to Baby". What is she trying to emphasize with this emphatic style? Suggest three alternate titles for this book with supporting rationale for each.

(see the answer keys)

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