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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. Mary Nell Fickett and Betsy Goodman initially turn to what source of information to research mental illness?
(a) Principles of Abnormal Psychology by Maslow and Mittelmann.
(b) The1959 edition of Encyclopedia Britannica.
(c) The dictionary.
(d) Various Internet sites.

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

4. Where do Betsy Goodman, Mary Nell Fickett, and Lisa Shilling first meet for an impromptu group therapy session?
(a) At a popular diner.
(b) At the Ficketts' house.
(c) At the Shillings' house.
(d) At the Long Island public library.

5. Which character is described by the narrator as a "quiet, distinguished-looking man about sixty who has real style...[he] can talk with you and make you feel instantly at home" (p. 30)?
(a) Mr. Shilling.
(b) Mr. Bernstein.
(c) Rev. Fickett.
(d) Mr. Frazer.

Short Answer Questions

1. The school guidance counselor's name is...

2. According to the narrator, who is the cutest boy in school?

3. 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?

4. Before moving to Long Island, Mary Nell Fickett lived in what U.S. State?

5. The narrator states that adults prevent anyone from "get[ting] to the truth" (p. 27) because they are...

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Mary Nell Fickett's and Besty Goodman's initial attempts to secure professional help for their friend Lisa Shilling.

2. Why does Lisa Shilling tell her parents that she thinks she is mentally ill in front of her friend Mary Nell Fickett?

3. Describe the nature of the relationship between Brian Morris and Lisa Shilling in the early part of the novel.

4. Why is Betsy Goodman the youngest of the major protagonists?

5. Why does the narrator spend so much time establishing which protagonist is better looking, which is more intelligent, and which is from a wealthier family?

6. What kind of a job does Jeremy Bernstein do as the high school guidance counselor?

7. Why does Lisa Shilling find herself attracted to Elizabeth Frazer, as a potential friend?

8. What kind of a job does Mr. Jackson do as the school principal?

9. Describe Lisa on a so-called bright day and contrast that description to Lisa on a so-called dark day.

10. Why does Betsy Goodman self-describe as the least important person in the narrative?

(see the answer keys)

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