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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. As Mary Nell Fickett becomes more self-educated about psychology, what irritating behavior does she start to exhibit?
(a) She develops a facial tic.
(b) She starts to speak with big words that nobody else understands.
(c) She begins to diagnose everyone.
(d) She starts arguing with everyone all the time.

2. With only three weeks left in the school year, what does Mr. Bernstein hope for?
(a) That Betsy Goodman will pass her classes and graduate.
(b) That Lisa Shilling will complete school and become someone else's problem.
(c) That Rev. Fickett will let him join another church.
(d) That he will win the lottery before he loses his job.

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

4. Mary Nell Fickett states Lisa Shilling's diagnosis is "'a paranoid or a schizophrenic, and maybe both together'" (p. 68). Elizabeth Frazer disagrees and states Lisa's diagnosis is...
(a) Psychotic personality.
(b) Agoraphobic distemper.
(c) Nymphomania.
(d) Anorexia nervosa.

5. Why does Lisa Shilling wait until Mr. Goodman is in the room before she deliberately walks through a floor-to-ceiling window?
(a) She wants an adult witness to her action.
(b) She knows that Mr. Goodman is a paramedic.
(c) She is terrified of Mr. Goodman and is trying to get away from him.
(d) She wants Mr. Goodman to see her damaging his house.

Short Answer Questions

1. As Mrs. Shilling begins to realize that perhaps her daughter Lisa really is suffering from mental illness, what is one of her first responses?

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

3. Why does Mary Nell Fickett tell Betsy Goodman that she is furious with Elizabeth Frazer?

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

5. Who does Lisa Shilling accuse of trying to steal Brian Morris away from her?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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?

3. 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?

4. When discussing a movie about mental illness with her friends, Lisa Shilling comments on one particular aspect or scene of the movie that makes her uncomfortable. What is that aspect?

5. Describe the typical group therapy session involving Lisa Shilling, Betsy Goodman, Mary Nell Fickett, and Elizabeth Frazer.

6. 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?

7. After Lisa assaults Elizabeth, she makes her close friends make her a particular promise. What is the promise, and why does she make them accept it?

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

9. Between Elizabeth Frazer, Mary Nell Fickett, and Betsy Goodman, which character tries the least to understand Lisa Shilling's diagnosis?

10. Cover photographs aside, what narratives clues are there that identify the four protagonists as white?

(see the answer keys)

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