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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. Lisa Shilling disappears while she is at Betsy Goodman's house waiting for Mary Nell Fickett and Elizabeth Frazer to arrive. Where does Lisa go?
(a) She wanders into the street and is hit by a car.
(b) She goes home.
(c) She hides in a closet for a long time.
(d) She tries to drown herself in a river.

2. As Lisa Shilling's mental condition continues to deteriorate, what are some of the things she does that are disconcerting to Betsy Goodman?
(a) She frequently hides insects in her pockets and throws them at people as they walk away from her.
(b) She routinely cuts herself with any available sharp object and often slams her head into school lockers.
(c) She cries in class, is always late, vanishes frequently, and says things that don't make any sense.
(d) She screams at anyone that touches her and plucks out her eyebrows.

3. When Mr. Bernstein eventually intervenes on Lisa Shilling's behalf, he meets with various school teachers but does not involve Principal Jackson. Why not?
(a) He thinks Principal Jackson wouldn't be interested.
(b) He knows that Principal Jackson has a secret criminal record.
(c) He claims Principal Jackson would simply transfer Lisa to another school.
(d) He believes Principal Jackson would expel Betsy Goodman.

4. During one early group therapy session, why does Mary Nell Fickett get angry with Elizabeth Frazer?
(a) Because Elizabeth uses a lot of profanity when she speaks.
(b) Because Elizabeth keeps blowing bubbles with her bubblegum.
(c) Because Elizabeth doesn't think Paul Newman is attractive.
(d) Because Elizabeth tells Mary Nell she won't find answers in books.

5. What does Lisa Shilling hope to accomplish by walking deliberately through a floor-to-ceiling window?
(a) She wants to show Brian Morris that she still loves him.
(b) She hopes to show her friends how impetuous she can be.
(c) She hopes to convince her parents she is mentally ill.
(d) She hopes to kill herself.

Short Answer Questions

1. How do the teachers at Lisa Shilling's school agree to "help" (p. 90) Lisa?

2. How extensive are Lisa Shilling's physical wounds after she walks through a floor-to-ceiling window?

3. Rev. Fickett and Mr. Milne, a schoolteacher, talk to Mr. Shilling about Lisa Shilling's situation. Why is Mrs. Shilling not present for that conversation?

4. During a barbecue near the end of the school year, Lisa Shilling physically attacks which major character?

5. Betsy Goodman wants Lisa Shilling to teach her how to do what strange behavior?

Short Essay Questions

1. Mary Nell Fickett believes that she might fully master the study of abnormal psychology by reading many books. Describe Mary Nell's reasoning and comment upon it.

2. Mr. Milne makes a few attempts to have Lisa Shilling's condition accepted and treated. He calls upon the school authorities in a formal and, later, an informal manner. He also meets with Rev. Fickett and Mr. Shilling directly. His attempts meet with failure as first Bernstein and the school administration and later Mr. Shilling stonewall him. Should Milne have done anything differently? Should Milne have given up when he did?

3. Betsy Goodman believes at one point that she might gain valuable insight into Lisa Shilling's condition simply by watching an Elizabeth Taylor movie. Describe Betsy's reasoning and comment upon it.

4. How might the narrative differ if the protagonists were male?

5. The Reverend Fickett makes a personal attempt to have Lisa Shilling's condition accepted and treated. With Mr. Milne, a school teacher, he calls upon Mr. Shilling directly. His attempt meets with failure as Mr. Shilling stonewalls him. Should Rev. Fickett have done anything differently? Should Rev. Fickett have given up when he did?

6. Mary Nell Fickett and Betsy Goodman briefly consider inviting Lisa Shilling's younger sister Tracy to their group therapy sessions. They decide against it. Why do they decide against it?

7. As the novel points out, Mr. and Mrs. Shilling ultimately are the legally responsible persons for the care of the daughter Lisa. After reading of their stubborn refusal to admit there is a problem, is this the approach that society should continue to utilize for child rearing?

8. Betsy Goodman meets with Mr. Bernstein several times and he explains why he cannot become involved. Yet she continues to turn to him for help. Why does Betsy continue to attempt to rely on Mr. Bernstein?

9. Is Betsy Goodman a reliable narrator?

10. How does Betsy Goodman's focus on movie stars help develop the plot?

(see the answer keys)

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