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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. The narrator states in “Anne” that Mrs. Palmer once went all the way to Philadelphia to hear an Italian stroller named what?

2. What word used in “The Wife’s Story” means unrestrained?

3. The narrator in “The Wife’s Story” says she grew up in what state?

4. What is the name of Mrs. Palmer’s servant who tells her a man is there for his money when Mrs. Palmer awakens in “Anne”?

5. The narrator learns in “The Wife’s Story” that her husband’s first wife was addicted to what?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the plot of “Anne” relate to the life of author Rebecca Harding Davis?

2. Why is Hester’s family moving in “The Wife’s Story”? How does Hester feel about the move?

3. Where does Mrs. Palmer travel in “Anne”? How does she fund her travels?

4. What does Hester do after leaving her family in “The Wife’s Story”?

5. How would you describe the character of Hester in “The Wife’s Story”? What information is established about Hester in the opening of the story?

6. Who does Mrs. Palmer first encounter on the train in “Anne”? What is Mrs. Palmer’s reaction?

7. What information does Jacky relate to Hester regarding Dr. Manning’s first wife in “The Wife’s Story”?

8. What does Hester discover about her husband after she’s left him in “The Wife’s Story”?

9. When and why did Hester’s marriage begin to change in “The Wife’s Story”?

10. What conflict arises in “The Wife’s Story” relating to Hester’s musical ambitions?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the trial and sentencing of Hugh Wolfe in the narrative. Why did Hugh refuse a lawyer? Who was appointed to represent him? Do you think this lawyer did an adequate job? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Poverty and Oppression in Life in the Iron Mills and Other Stories

a. Discuss the theme of oppression seen in “Life in the Iron Mills.” What is the origin of this oppression? Is the antagonist of the story a person or a concept?

b. How does the theme of oppression apply to “The Wife’s Story” and “Anne”? In what ways are the protagonists of these stories oppressed?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss the characters of Dr. Manning and Jacky in “The Wife’s Story.” What about Jacky does Hester dislike? Why? How much older than Hester is Dr. Manning? How many children does Dr. Manning have from his first marriage?

(see the answer keys)

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