View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What did Hadley's parents tell her she could do once she failed her genetic screening?

2. Why do some women return their borrowed babies quickly?

3. Who is the author of the short story "Graceful Burdens"?

4. Why is Sidra told she is perfect for the position of caretaker?

5. What is the root of much of the pain Hadley feels in regards to her inability to procreate?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 a brief essay analyzing the Roxane Gay's choice to write "Graceful Burdens" in past tense. Do you agree with this choice? How would the story be different if written in a different tense?

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 719 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample