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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. Which part of Grandma Moore's body had to be amputated after turning gangrenous?

2. How did Pete react to having his mother-in-law move in with the family?

3. In what city did Grandma Moore live during Mary's childhood?

4. What was Pete doing at the time his wife and children finally returned home from West Texas?

5. Which of the following Karr family members was struck with insomnia after Grandma Moore's death?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Charlie react to the news of the hurricane that threatened to eviscerate Leechfield?

2. How did music affect Charlie's mood during her depression?

3. What was the truth behind Tex and Belinda, as Charlie told the story?

4. What happened when Mary and Lecia were sent to spend the evening overnight with Hector's sister, Alecia?

5. How did the Karr family cope when they were all struck with insomnia at the same time?

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

7. What parts of the school system in Antelope were different than the school system in Leechfield?

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

9. What relationship did Mary have with her grandmother when the pair was living together during Mary's childhood?

10. How did Mary find out that her family was moving, yet again, from Colorado?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Grandma Moore dies, the Karr family has very mixed reactions to the news. Choose two Karr family members that had profound reactions to the death and compare / contrast their reactions. What is the same about their reactions? What is different? How do these two reactions to Grandma Moore's death show the depth and complications in her character? Be sure to cite at least two examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

At the opening of the memoir, Mary explains that her mother has been taken away for being "Nervous." First, explain what the definition of "Nervous" is within the medical community of Mary's hometown. Then, choose one other person in the town that was diagnosed with "Nervousness" and compare / contrast that nervousness to Mary's mother's nervousness. What is the same about their conditions? What is different? Which case of nervousness seems to be more severe? How can you tell? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

After Grandma Moore's death, Charlie begins a deep, downward spiral. First, explain the timeline of events that eventually lead Charlie to her pitiful state at the end of the novel. Who / what does Charlie blame for the fate of her life? Who / what does Mary blame for her mother's problems? As a reader, who / what do you think is responsible for landing Charlie in her emotional and physical state at the end of the memoir? Be sure to include at least two scenes from the memoir to strengthen your arguments.

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