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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 beverage did Charlie spend the day drinking at the Houston Zoo?

2. What did Pete buy for Mary for her tenth birthday?

3. What color was the paint that Mary smeared over her face and mouth while her mother was out of the painting studio?

4. What did Charlie spend her day doing while at the beach with her family soon after Grandma Moore's funeral?

5. What city did Charlie regularly think of while listening to the opera?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where was Mary when she was sexually assaulted, and what was her reaction to the event?

2. How did the Karr family react when Lecia was attacked by the jellyfish at the beach?

3. After leaving the hospital, how did Charlie react when visiting the Houston Zoo?

4. What was Lecia's reaction to the news that Grandma Moore had died?

5. How did Pete manage the family's money during their toughest financial times?

6. What happened during the fight between Mary and Big Bertha?

7. Why did Charlie choose to vacation in Mexico for four weeks, and what news did she bring back to her daughters upon her return?

8. How did Charlie react to the news that Mary's school wanted to advance her through the reading program at an accelerated rate?

9. What information did the girls receive from their father about their mother's whereabouts after she was committed to the psychiatric ward?

10. Why did Mary begin to compulsively check the mailbox after Father's Day?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the strongest symbols in the memoir is the symbol of the flock of locusts. First, describe the scene in which Mary interacts with the flock of locusts. What was going on Mary's life at this time? How did Mary interact with the locusts when she saw them? Then, explain how the flock of locusts might be used a symbol for the emotional state Mary was in when she first saw the flock of locusts. Do you think this symbol was effective? Why or why not? Be sure to cite at least two scenes from the memoir to strengthen your argument.

Essay Topic 2

Books become an important method of escape for Mary during her violent and troubled childhood. One book in particular, Dracula, is especially important to her. First, describe how Mary was first introduced to the book, Dracula. Then, give examples of at least two scenes in the memoir in which Mary uses metaphors from the book to explain her psychology. Finally, explain whether or not you believe the book Dracula is a good metaphor for Mary's life and why. Be sure to include at least two examples from the text that you believe help strengthen your argument.

Essay Topic 3

Charlie's family history is one looming in shadow, as she is a woman who has kept many dark secrets. Choose two of Charlie's dark secrets that she keeps hidden in her past and explain them. Then, describe how Mary learned her mother's dark secrets. What were her reactions to these secrets? Then, explain how Charlie's dark secrets affected Mary and the way she was able to bond, and trust, her own family members, both in childhood and adulthood.

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