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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. Mary Nell Fickett's approach to helping Lisa Shilling initially consists of...
(a) Trying to hypnotize Lisa.
(b) Trying to match Lisa's symptoms to a psychological diagnosis.
(c) Paying for Lisa to receive electro-shock therapy.
(d) Using Rorschach ink blot analysis techniques.

2. Lisa Shilling sometimes speaks with what kind of an affected accent?
(a) English.
(b) Spanish.
(c) Australian.
(d) French.

3. Which character is the youngest major character of the novel?
(a) Lisa Shilling.
(b) Betsy Goodman.
(c) Elizabeth Frazer.
(d) Mary Nell Fickett.

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

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. Bernstein.
(b) Mr. Shilling.
(c) Mr. Frazer.
(d) Rev. Fickett.

Short Answer Questions

1. What aspect of Betsy Goodman's appearance is "three thousand dollars' perfect" (p. 12)?

2. Which character is described by the narrator as trying "to hard to be clever, too hard to be quick, too hard at everything except at being himself" (pp. 28-29)?

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

4. Lisa sarcastically says she admires a particular books titled...

5. Mr. Bernstein refuses to talk to Mr. Shilling about Lisa Shilling's mental condition because...

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the family situation of the four main characters.

2. Why does Elizabeth Frazer gradually become the de facto decision-maker of what is and is not good for Lisa Shilling?

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

4. In what is Mr. Shilling primarily interested?

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

6. Based on the various descriptions of the four main protagonists' families, do you believe they would all go to the same public high school?

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

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

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

10. Who is the narrator in chapter one?

(see the answer keys)

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