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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. Which character's father maintains a large personal library with valuable reference books?
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 describes which major character as fulfilling the role of school princess (that is, regal, cool, far off, blonde, and slim)?
4. Which character is described by the narrator as looking "like Shelley Winters playing a roadhouse pick-up...stretch-pants two sizes too small, preshrunk sweaters with classic midriff bulge, a fur coat slung over her shoulders, and a scarf hiding the curlers in her hair" (p. 29)?
5. The novel begins with a recalled conversation between Lisa Shilling and her parents. Which of Lisa's acquaintances is present for the conversation?
Short Essay Questions
1. Describe the chronology of the four main characters' friendships (in other words, who is friends with whom first).
2. Describe Lisa on a so-called bright day and contrast that description to Lisa on a so-called dark day.
3. Why is Betsy Goodman the youngest of the major protagonists?
4. Based on the various descriptions of the four main protagonists' families, do you believe they would all go to the same public high school?
5. 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?
6. Why does Lisa Shilling tell her parents that she thinks she is mentally ill in front of her friend Mary Nell Fickett?
7. Why is chapter one presented in italic type face?
8. What kind of a job does Rev. Fickett do as a church reverend?
9. What kind of a job does Mr. Jackson do as the school principal?
10. What kind of a job does Mr. Goodman do as an insurance salesman?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
Describe the family dynamics of the Shilling family. What do the parents spend their time doing? What do the children spend their time doing? Who talks to whom? Also, who doesn't communicate?
Essay Topic 2
Mary Nell Fickett's father is the Reverend Fickett of a local congregation. Although the novel does not give many details about Rev. Fickett is is probably safe to assume he is Christian. Do you think that Mary Nell's character realistically portrays the daughter of a religious leader? What aspects (if any) of Mary Nell's character appear to epitomize the Christian faith? As you read the novel was it easy for you to accept that the Rev. Fickett was indeed a religious leader?
Essay Topic 3
Describe the process of maturation demonstrated by the character of Mary Nell Fickett. How does she change and grow during the events of the novel?
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This section contains 1,109 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) |
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