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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 religious faith was Hadley raised in?

2. What are some of the things that women who accept their lot in life do when they are deemed unsuitable for procreation?

3. What is another of the four places babies may be sent to when they age out of the lending program?

4. What is another of the four places babies may be sent to when they age out of the lending program?

5. What is one of the factors that may eliminate a woman from being able to procreate?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the baby lending process at the Omaha Public Library?

2. Describe the area where the library babies stay until they are checked out.

3. What happens in "Graceful Burdens" to women when they reach the age of 16?

4. What do some wealthy women do if they fail genetic screening?

5. What happens in "Graceful Burdens" once a woman is deemed suitable for procreation?

6. What is Hadley's life in Omaha like after she moves following her failed genetic screening?

7. What happens when Hadley tells her family she failed her genetic screening?

8. Where are library babies sent when they turn three?

9. Why is Sidra hired for the caretaker position at the Omaha Public Library?

10. Describe the card catalog in the library at the start of "Graceful Burdens."

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay analyzing narrative voice in Roxane Gay's “Graceful Burdens.” Include thoughts on how the narrative voice of the story is effective in conveying the story’s themes of control, gender, and freedom.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay analyzing the narrative structure of "Graceful Burdens." What effect does this have on the story and the reader? Use direct examples from the story to support your analysis.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay analyzing Roxane Gay's language style and word choice in "Graceful Burdens." What are some words that stand out to you and why? What words are repeated? What words are most impactful? Explain your answers.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 693 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample