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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 is Andrew doing when Becky returns home in "February Becky"?

2. Who tells Ayinde that she could borrow her "I'm with Stupid" T-shirt?

3. What nickname does Steve call Oliver?

4. Who was the quote, "You'd be surprised what people can life with" referring to?

5. How does Sam answer Lia's question?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the author show the difference in the mothers' personalities as they are walking with the babies in their strollers?

2. How is Lia's final dream symbolic of her improved mental state and also a promise of things to come?

3. How does Mimi finally go too far and prompt Becky to stand up to her?

4. Explain how the title of the story has a double meaning.

5. How is Richard able to show his love for Ayinde during the crisis of baby Julian's sickness?

6. How does the readers' perception of Steve change in "January Kelly"?

7. How does learning the truth about her childhood help Lia move toward reconciling with Sam?

8. What is symbolic about Lia mentioning that she wished she had her mother's blue coat when she is going to talk to Merrill?

9. How does Becky convince Andrew that they can't just give his mother what she wants?

10. How does the interview in "January Kelly" depict Kelly's entire life?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the midst of personal troubles, Becky's friends have difficulty finding ways that their lives are blessed and how they are fortunate. In particular, Kelly tends to be scornful when people call her lucky. But, towards the end of the story, she starts to realize how blessed and fortunate she is. How does motherhood tend to put things into perspective for Becky? What does Becky learn from her friends?

Essay Topic 2

When Lia flies to Philadelphia, she leaves Sam behind, even though they love each other. Why does Lia assume her presence is hurting Sam? Where does her sense of guilt come from and how does this complicate her guilt? Why does she finally reach out to Sam?

Essay Topic 3

Choose the one character from Little Earthquakes that you think most resembles yourself. Explain how this character resembles you using detail and examples from the story.

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This section contains 982 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample