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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 do the police find that makes them suspicious?

2. Who says "Pull yourself together"?

3. Who moves in with Arthur and Joan?

4. How does Joan describe the townspeople's actions toward her?

5. Who enters her flat while Joan is taking a bath?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Joan deal with her belief that she is being held captive?

2. Explain the circumstances and symbolism behind Joan's cut feet.

3. What are Paul's intentions towards Joan?

4. Why is Joan having trouble writing about her character Charlotte and the ending of her novel?

5. At the end of Chapter 28, why does Joan feel she has to "get away, as quickly as possible?"

6. Why does the presence of the strange man who talks with her landlord spur Joan to action?

7. How does Joan use her novel to explore her own life?

8. How does Joan's affair with Royal Porcupine affect her stability?

9. How do people in town respond when they see Joan?

10. What piece of evidence leads to Sam and Marlene's arrest?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Joan understands that she is an "escape artist" and that she is happiest when she is in danger. Discuss several instances in the novel when Joan is at her best when in danger. How does her personality change?

Essay Topic 2

Why can't Joan confront Marlene about their past encounters? Why does she hide in the ladies' room? Are there other examples in the novel where Joan responds in a similar manner? What does this suggest about Joan's character?

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?

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