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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 color hair does Vera have?

2. What is Jonathan's occupation?

3. What does Uncle Seymour's Beef Borscht refer to?

4. Who is Rachel Samstat?

5. What did Rachel's mother save in 1963 that she used to purchase a blender for Rachel?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Rachel Samstat's character.

2. How did Rachel get a cooking show on television?

3. What caused Rachel to break up with Mark?

4. What was Rachel and Mark's early relationship like?

5. How does Rachel describe her first husband, Charlie?

6. What are some of the details Rachel gives Detective Nolan about the robber?

7. What happens when Rachel discovers Mark's affair?

8. How does Ellis react when he sees Rachel when he is buying popcorn?

9. What kind of details does Jonathan relate to Rachel about Mark and Thelma's relationship?

10. How does Rachel feel about going back to her therapy group?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What role does food play in this novel? How is it important to Rachel's life and marriage? Why does Rachel provide recipes as she tells the story of her marriage breaking up? Do the recipes add to the story? Explain why or why not.

Essay Topic 2

Why does Rachel remain silent after she is released from the hospital? How does this silence make her feel? When she finally breaks her silence at Betty's house, what extreme action does she take? Why?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Rachel's strengths and weaknesses as a character. Do you think she will weather the end of her marriage to Mark and get back on her feet? Why do you think so? Provide specific examples to support your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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