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

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

3. What religious faith was Hadley raised in?

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

5. What does Hadley do some nights to manage her pain?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a brief essay analyzing the title "Graceful Burdens." Explore the ways in which this title connects to the plot and themes of the story.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay analyzing the genre classification of "Graceful Burdens." What is the genre? What are other genre options? Why did Roxane Gay choose this genre for the subject matter? What are examples from the text that support this genre classification?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 637 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample