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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. Of the four major characters in the novel, which one eventually becomes the decision-maker of the group?

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

3. Why does Mr. Shilling reject Rev. Fickett's and Mr. Milne's assertion that Lisa Shilling is suffering from serious mental illness?

4. After Lisa Shilling attacks Elizabeth Frazer how does she [Lisa] behave?

5. Mary Nell Fickett says that Lisa Shilling's behavior is "ridiculous...[for]...two reasons" (p. 67). What are the two reasons?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. Describe some of Lisa Shilling's self-destructive behaviors.

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

4. 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?

5. 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.

6. What techniques does Mrs. Shilling utilize to ignore her daughter Lisa's symptoms of mental illness?

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

8. Lisa Shilling occasionally talks in a deep, sultry voice with a notable English accent. Betsy Goodman associates this English-sounding Lisa with the dark Lisa. In popular psychology, what type of mental illness would account for this distinction?

9. 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?

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

When the novel was first published it was quite up to date and contemporaneous. For today, however, the novel has many elements that appear dated. List elements in the novel that made you think you were reading a dated novel, and explain why. Use examples from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Assume that the basis of all criticism is the reader's response to the text. Without focusing on a critical theory, describe your reaction to the text. Did you like the book? Why or why not? What aspects (if any) of the novel did you particularly like, and why? What aspects (if any) did you particularly dislike, and why?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,345 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample