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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 physical manifestation does Annie experience as a result of her mother's decline?

2. Where does Annie's mother go to live after she stays at Annie's house for awhile?

3. What color is the handbag that Annie's mother buys?

4. When does Annie's mother approach her about being ashamed of Annie's behavior?

5. What is a major motif in this chapter?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Annie describe the nursing home?

2. How does Annie take care of her mother's physical needs and how does her mother's condition affect her?

3. What two themes become evident in this chapter?

4. Explain what Annie means by associating days in her own life with days in her mother's life.

5. What does Annie say about the roommates her mother has in the hospital?

6. What is the significance of Annie's mother dying on Easter Sunday?

7. What is Annie reminded of when her mother puts on two bras at one time?

8. How did Annie's grandmother's death affect Annie's mother?

9. What surprises Annie about the handbag purchase her mother makes?

10. What does it mean for Annie when her mother recognizes her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the role of girls and women in mid-20th century France. What precedents do they feel compelled to follow? What restrictions do they have? What freedoms did they have that 21st century women do not have?

Essay Topic 2

There are several events of foreshadowing in the book. Define foreshadowing. Cite at least two situations in the story that serve as foreshadowing.

Essay Topic 3

Does Ernaux end the book on a note of hope for herself or the continuance of her struggle to come to terms with his flawed relationship and grief for her mother? Give your perspective and two reasons to support your answer.

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This section contains 778 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample