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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When Lisa Shilling first tells her father that she thinks she might be going crazy, he tells her...
(a) That Shillings don't go crazy.
(b) That she should visit with a psychiatrist.
(c) That she should drink more coffee.
(d) That she's seen too many movies.

2. In the novel's title "Lisa, Bright and Dark", to what does the term "Bright" refer?
(a) Lisa's obsession with the sun.
(b) Lisa's use of an English accent when talking.
(c) Lisa's periods of relative normalcy.
(d) Lisa's periods of mental illness.

3. Lisa Shilling's conversation with her parents opens the novel. After that conversation what does Lisa do?
(a) Lays on her bead and smashes her head against the headboard.
(b) Goes to school and flunks her English test.
(c) Goes shopping with her friends.
(d) Moves out of the house to live with her boyfriend.

4. What aspect of Betsy Goodman's appearance is "three thousand dollars' perfect" (p. 12)?
(a) Her nose.
(b) Her teeth.
(c) Her posture.
(d) Her breasts.

5. Before moving to Long Island, Mary Nell Fickett lived in what U.S. State?
(a) Montana.
(b) Nevada.
(c) California.
(d) Utah.

6. Lisa sarcastically says she admires a particular books titled...
(a) Lisa, Bright and Dark by Neufeld.
(b) Principles of Abnormal Psychology by Maslow and Mittelmann.
(c) The Voyeur by Robbe-Grillet (translated by Howard).
(d) Moby Dick by Melville.

7. Elizabeth Frazer agrees to try to help Lisa Shilling...
(a) If she [Elizabeth] gets paid for her time.
(b) If Lisa will do Elizabeth's homework for a month.
(c) If she [Elizabeth] can date Brian Morris.
(d) Without any conditions.

8. Which major character says "'No matter what you decide to do, I won't be able to help you very much'" (p. 48)?
(a) Elizabeth Frazer.
(b) Betsy Goodman.
(c) Mary Nell Fickett.
(d) Lisa Shilling.

9. Lisa Shilling's conversation with her parents opens the novel. Lisa tries to tell her parents that she thinks she might be crazy because...
(a) She hears voices talking in her head.
(b) She's has nightmares constantly.
(c) She can't pass her English class.
(d) She can't stop thinking about Paul Newman.

10. Which major character suggests that Elizabeth Frazer should join Lisa Shilling's impromptu group therapy sessions?
(a) Mary Nell Fickett.
(b) Lisa Shilling.
(c) Betsy Goodman.
(d) Elizabeth Frazer.

11. Why does Brian Morris break up his relationship with Lisa Shilling?
(a) Because Lisa's behavior is erratic and nonsensical.
(b) Because he wants to date Mary Nell Fickett.
(c) Because Lisa's family is poor and he wants to date a rich girl.
(d) Because he realizes he's homosexual.

12. According to the narrator, who "counts less" (p. 12) than anyone else in the novel?
(a) Mary Nell Fickett.
(b) Lisa Shilling.
(c) Elizabeth Frazer.
(d) Betsy Goodman.

13. The first person that Mary Nell Fickett confided in about Lisa Shilling's possible mental illness was...
(a) Neil Donovan.
(b) Betsy Goodman.
(c) Elizabeth Frazer.
(d) Mrs. Shilling.

14. Mr. Bernstein refuses to talk to Mr. Shilling about Lisa Shilling's mental condition because...
(a) He doesn't think it's his place.
(b) He thinks Mr. Shilling will hit him.
(c) He doesn't think Lisa has a problem.
(d) He is afraid of the social ramifications.

15. The narrator compares her newly-built school to her old school and notes that both schools have the same...
(a) Tuna fish sandwiches every Friday.
(b) Color of blackboards.
(c) Style of lockers.
(d) Type of indirect lighting.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where do Betsy Goodman, Mary Nell Fickett, and Lisa Shilling first meet for an impromptu group therapy session?

2. The novel begins with a recalled conversation between Lisa Shilling and her parents. Which of Lisa's acquaintances is present for the conversation?

3. When Betsy Goodman finds Mary Nell Fickett and Lisa Shilling in Mr. Milne's classroom, Lisa Shilling is hiding underneath Mr. Milne's desk and doing what?

4. How does Lisa Shilling react when Brian Morris breaks up with her?

5. Which character begins the novel with a goal to be the first woman justice on the Supreme Court and ends the novel contemplating a career in psychology?

(see the answer keys)

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