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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. To whom is Maryna writing in Chapter 4?

2. Where did Bogdan and Maryana dine on their night out alone in New York City?

3. What is Wanda's reason for going to California?

4. What is the name of the boarder in Maryna's home who later becomes her husband?

5. What toast does Maryna offer?

Short Essay Questions

1. While hiding at the celebration party, the narrator pieces together the people in the room and the subject of their discussions. What does she gather about the people in the room and the plan underway?

2. Before leaving for America, Maryna and Bogdan go to say goodbye to his grandmother, the Dowanger Countess. What transpires in this meeting? How does the Dowanger Countess welcome the couple? What words of advise does she give them?

3. The first of the immigrants to leave, Julian and Ryszard travel together to America. What is Ryszard anticipating for the trip? What kind of man does he hope to be when he lands in America?

4. Maryna explains to Henryk why they are traveling to California by ship. What are the reasons? What is the faster way to get to California from New York? How does the trip go?

5. Once on board the ship, the narrator gives a detailed description of the steerage section of the ship. What is the steerage section, who travels steerage, and what stigma does it hold?

6. Maryna prepares for her departure from the stage. What engagements does she cancel, and what do the critics say about this? Why has she chosen Zakopane, and who has she asked to accompany her there?

7. How do the Saloon passengers gain entry into America? How do the steerage passengers leave the ship? How do Julian and Ryszard leave the ship, and where do they go?

8. On his passage to America, Ryszard spends time listening to English speaking passengers. He meets many Americans. How does he describe the American attitude about their country? How does this differ from the way Ryszard sees himself as a Pole?

9. Who does Maryna see in Bremen? What is the purpose of their meeting? How does Maryna feel at the end of the meeting?

10. While Maryna and her husband are busy selling their house and preparing to leave for America, a member of Maryna's family dies. Who is this person, and why is the death so upsetting for Maryna? Who else is present at the death? Where does Maryna go after the death?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As they are readying to go to California to look for a new home for themselves and their friends, Ryszard says to Julian "America has its America, its better destination where everyone dreams of going." Discuss this theme in two contexts: America as it is seen by foreign immigrants, and America as it is seen by Americans.

Essay Topic 2

As Maryna plays to packed theatres in America with her own actors, she reflects on what it means to be a success in America. How does she describe success in America?

Essay Topic 3

Edwin Booth's monologue finishes the novel. He has not been a character in the book, nor does he know any of the characters in the novel except Maryna. Why has the author chosen to end the book on this note? Is there a climax to the novel, and if so, where did it take place?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,297 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample