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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. Why does Joan show up on Arthur's doorstep and ask to be his roommate?

2. In Chapter 2, how does Joan get rid of the hair she cuts off?

3. What theme does Joan think she should add to her novels?

4. How many pounds does Joan gain before her wedding?

5. How much does Joan get paid for her first manuscript?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Joan find it difficult to write when Arthur is depressed?

2. Explain why Joan does not tell her husband Arthur that she writes Costume Gothic novels.

3. Describe Joan's approach to meeting Paul and having a relationship with him.

4. How does Joan change after becoming willing to publish Lady Oracle under her own name?

5. How does Joan use her personal fears and concerns within the plot of the novel she is writing?

6. How does Joan begin to take on a new identity after leaving home?

7. Describe Joan's personality while in high school.

8. How does Joan see her father differently after she returns home for the funeral?

9. Why do the other girls treat Joan badly as they walk home from Brownies every Tuesday?

10. Describe the significance of Aunt Lou's inheritance on Joan's life.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Does the ending of the novel suggest that Joan has some hope of retiring her former double life and becoming a person who enters into relationships with honesty? What does Joan's interaction with the reporter in the hospital suggest about how Joan has changed or not?

Essay Topic 2

Provide several examples of how humor is used in surprising ways to develop the plot of Lady Oracle. Is this an effective writing technique?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Arthur's political causes. Does he seem to have a positive influence on political change? Why is it ironic that he and his resurgence group plan to blow up the Peace Bridge?

(see the answer keys)

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