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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 might some wealthy women do if they do not pass the genetic screening to be allowed to procreate?

2. What religious faith was Hadley raised in?

3. How long are women allowed to check out borrowed babies?

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

5. What is the morning routine for babies at Sidra's work?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 analysis of Seraphina's character in "Graceful Burdens." Who is she? What is her life like and how does she feel about her role? How does her character support the story's themes?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay analyzing Roxane Gay's commentary on gender in "Graceful Burdens." How is gender important to the story? How does it effect the narrative? Use textual evidence to explain your analysis.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 677 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample