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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. After Lisa Shilling's self-mutilation episode at school, her parents performed what action?

2. As Lisa Shilling's mental condition continues to deteriorate, how do her classmates respond?

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

4. Which major character says "'No matter what you decide to do, I won't be able to help you very much'" (p. 48)?

5. Lisa Shilling spends her six-week vacation in Florida doing what?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do Mr. and Mrs. Shilling ignore their daughter's repeated assertions that she is mentally ill?

2. Why is chapter one presented in italic type face?

3. Who is the narrator in chapter one?

4. What kind of a job does Mr. Goodman do as an insurance salesman?

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

6. 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?

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

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

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

10. Why does Lisa Shilling believe that she is suffering form mental illness?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The novel presents four teenage girls who begin the year thinking about boys, dating, and sexuality. As the year progresses they think more and more about mental illness and less and less about dating. Discuss elements of sexuality within the novel--why are characters attracted to each other? Is Betsy attracted only to looks? Or does she have a deeper understanding of sexuality? Will she be successful as a married housewife?

Essay Topic 2

Imagine you are on a jury deciding the apportionment of 'blame' for Lisa's worsening condition. Which character of the novel would you select to receive the lion's share of the blame for Lisa spending many months with worsening symptoms without receiving adequate professional help. For this exercise, you may not select Mr. or Mrs. Shilling. Explain and defend your selection.

Essay Topic 3

Of the four primary fathers in the novel--Mr. Shilling, Mr. Goodman, Rev. Fickett, and Mr. Frazer--who would you most like to have as a father? Why?

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