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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. Who is the boyfriend Peyton brings home from college?

2. Where had Peyton been for three months in Milton's flashback?

3. Helen views Peyton and Milton as _____________________.

4. Dolly tells Helen that she will carry on with Milton ________________________.

5. To what city do Helen and Maudie travel in November of 1942?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Peyton and Harry's first night as a married couple mirror Milton and Helen's marriage?

2. What trip do Helen and Maudie take in November of 1942?

3. What do Carey and Milton talk about while waiting in the roadhouse for the hearse to be repaired?

4. What news does Helen have about Maudie and why is she so angry at Milton and Peyton when they finally return to the hospital?

5. Why is Helen so angry with Peyton and Milton on Peyton's wedding day?

6. How does the author show that Milton has inappropriate feelings for Peyton?

7. Why does Carey find it difficult to minister to Helen?

8. What was the nature of Helen's meeting with Dolly at the tearoom?

9. What is the nature of the letter Milton writes to Peyton while Helen and Maudie are out of town?

10. What does Milton remember about the Christmas of 1941?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a brief character study of Dolly. What does she look like? What are her positive personality traits? What are some of her negative characteristics? What are her hopes and fears? What motivates her--if anything--at this point in her life?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the ongoing conflict between Helen and Peyton. What is the source of the conflict? Why does it perpetuate? Is it really possible for a mother and daughter to hate each other to the degree that Helen and Peyton seem to hate? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

There is much symbolism in this story regarding the alarm clock. What does the alarm clock symbolize for the story? What does it symbolize for Peyton in particular? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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