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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 does Mandra do to Miriam on the drive at the end of "Mandra?"

2. Why does Reynolds refuse to sleep with the narrator/model in "A Model?"

3. For whom are Albert and Faye throwing a party?

4. What does Bijou promise the painter before the Art Ball?

5. What were characteristics of the American writer's work that attracted women (such as Hilda in "Hilda and Rango") to him?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the contrasts (physical and personality-wise) between Jan and Laura.

2. What leads up to Albert finally making love to his wife?

3. What reasons does Fay's husband give for not making love to her on their wedding night in the story "Saffron"?

4. In what ways is Mary described as being intensely sexual, yet frigid?

5. What pictures does Jan draw on the ceiling and why?

6. How does Hilda change throughout the course of this story?

7. Describe Mary's life, from the story "Mandra"

8. How does the narrator compare her attractiveness to Miriam's appeal?

9. How does Jan seduce Laura at the end of this story?

10. How does the painter know Bijou is faithless at the Art Ball?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the difference between erotica and pornography? Why is one considered to be more acceptable? How does "Little Birds" fall into the category of erotica? Do you personally agree with these assessments? Why or why not? Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the role of artists and art in this book. Be sure that your answer covers how the occupation of some of these artists reflect upon their characters, temperament, and the author's tendency to portray the characters as bohemians, as well as how it relates to their sexuality. Besides this, also discuss times when these ideas are subverted with another character and how that relate to the portrayal of artists.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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