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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 does Alec dream in Chapter 1?

2. When does Vera remember that she met the housepainter she dated for a time?

3. How many times a day is a siren heard in Connaught?

4. What does Daniel say that he and his friend Lyle drank that Lyle's mother hid under the kitchen sink?

5. In Chapter 1, how old is Alec?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Alec remember about Vera's absence?

2. When and where did Bob the housepainter propose to Vera, and how did he respond?

3. What is the only change Alec has made to his house since Vera left, and why is it pink?

4. What arrangements are made for Vera and her son?

5. What does Alec remember doing in his dream in Chapter 1?

6. What type of marker is on Martha's grave?

7. What caused Vera to hate her father?

8. How does Vera meet Stanley?

9. What does Daniel like to do every night after supper in Chapter 7?

10. Who cleans up for Alec and why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the novel, some characters are more thoroughly described than others. Who are some characters that are merely named in passing or have a minor role in the novel? What is the importance of these flat characters to the storyline? In what way do these characters make the main characters more colorful or interesting? When there is conflict, what type of role do these flat characters play?

Essay Topic 2

Allusions are figures of speech used when an author mentions a person, place, or thing, but does not provide background information about the person, place, or thing. What are some allusions that the author uses in the book? Is research required to understand the allusions the author makes? Does the use of allusions make understanding what is happening difficult?

Essay Topic 3

Vera decides to reopen the café. How does Vera struggle to make a living at first? How does her café become successful? Is her success due to her hard work, luck, or a combination of both?

(see the answer keys)

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