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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. What stories does Michel tell as Lina dozes off?

2. What does Lina claim about her experiences in Michel's apartment?

3. What is Manuel's favorite way of arousing himself?

4. What are Edna's career aspirations?

5. Despite her proclivities, what does Lina decry as disgusting?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Manuel plan to entice the schoolgirls to his apartment?

2. Why does the woman pass out in her story as the Russian dies?

3. What are the only ways Manuel can become aroused?

4. What are the differing opinions given on why Lina behaves the way she does with the narrator?

5. For what reasons does Edna begin to find her self-confidence again after becoming estranged from Harry?

6. What leads up to the schoolgirls running from Manuel at the end of this story?

7. For what reasons does Manuel want to move into the apartment with the terrace?

8. Why did the Viking woman get married?

9. How is Maria finally able to overcome her aversion to sensuality?

10. Describe the two mystery women in "Sirocco."

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the major themes of "Little Birds" is about submission and control. Analyze and discuss this in regards to the gender dynamics of these stories, the age of the characters (particularly the stories dealing with young women and older men), and how it relate to the power struggle found in many of the couples in this book. Also, discuss the outcomes of these struggles and how the relationship suffers or thrives. Be sure to develop a clear thesis statement and cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast the characters of Bijou and Mary? Why is it significant that both women are depicted as being highly promiscuous? Why is it important to note that descriptions of these characters are filtered through the perceptions of people who are attracted to them (and, in Bijou's case, infuriated by her)? In what way is Mary able to break out of her role? Why are both women depicted as being so unhappy? How does this reflect upon the people who pursue relationships with them? Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the conflicting gender dynamics of these stories in the following format:

Part 1) Virgins and their desire to have a lover.

Part 2) The violence and pushiness of certain men (such as Rango and Pierre).

Part 3) Lina.

Part 4) The characters' abilities to take control of their own sex lives.

Part 5) Pleasure at the expense of others.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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