View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. As Mary Nell Fickett's confidence sinks, what happens to Betsy Goodman?
(a) Betsy's confidence sinks, too.
(b) Betsy develops a crush on Elizabeth Frazer.
(c) Betsy loses interest in helping Lisa Shilling.
(d) Betsy's confidence increases.

2. Elizabeth Frazer tells Lisa Shilling that if she wants "'to play at sympathy and roses'" (p. 71) she should do what?
(a) Show up for the group therapy sessions.
(b) Stop wearing dark clothing and acting strange.
(c) Ask her little sister.
(d) Hire someone.

3. During some group therapy sessions Mary Nell Fickett encourages Lisa Shilling to "free-associate" (p. 83). What does Mary Nell mean by this term?
(a) She wants to stop charging her patient for psychological services.
(b) She wants Lisa to start being friends with other people.
(c) To talk about international trade relations.
(d) To start talking about whatever comes to mind.

4. Which major character enters an emotionless "precatatonic stage...with neither the desire to live or speak normally" (p. 109)?
(a) Mary Nell Fickett.
(b) Elizabeth Frazer.
(c) Betsy Goodman.
(d) Lisa Shilling.

5. Mary Nell Fickett says that Lisa Shilling's behavior is "ridiculous...[for]...two reasons" (p. 67). What are the two reasons?
(a) Lisa asked for help then left, and Lisa asked Betsy Goodman for help.
(b) Lisa asked for help but then refused it, and Lisa asked Elizabeth Frazer for help.
(c) Lisa asked to pay for help, and Lisa got mad when Mary Nell wouldn't accept payment.
(d) Lisa asked for help with her homework, and Lisa expected Mary Nell to cheat on an examination.

Short Answer Questions

1. As Lisa Shilling's mental condition continues to deteriorate, what are some of the things she does that are disconcerting to Betsy Goodman?

2. What does Lisa Shilling hope to accomplish by walking deliberately through a floor-to-ceiling window?

3. As the group therapy sessions continue, why does Mary Nell Fickett lose confidence?

4. Which major character does Mrs. Shilling address as "'some sixteen-year-old bitch-to-be'" (p. 116)?

5. Which major character is described as "a tall, blonde girl who seemed contained from within by taut wires strung from shoulder to shoulder, from head to hip. Self-contained and beautiful and distant, and suddenly mysterious" (pp. 59-60)?

Short Essay Questions

1. What actions does Lisa Shilling take to attempt to convince her parents that she needs professional help?

2. The four protagonists have a backyard cookout that ends with Lisa Shilling assaulting Elizabeth Frazer. What leads up to Lisa's assault?

3. 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?

4. If you were in Lisa's situation, to whom would you turn for help?

5. After Lisa Shilling deliberately walks through a glass window she is hospitalized with fairly serious injuries. She remains in the hospital for at least a few days. Mary Nell Fickett assumes that this suicide attempt necessarily will involve social workers who will force Mr. and Mrs. Shilling to confront Lisa's mental illness. However, this does not occur. Why?

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

7. 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?

8. Betsy Goodman is watching a television program about a mentally ill (and committed) patient when Lisa Shilling arrives. Why does Lisa's appearance make Betsy uncomfortable?

9. Describe Lisa Shilling's punctuality and dependability.

10. 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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,577 words (approx. 6 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample