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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 repulses Theresa about Gary?

2. Who has cancer?

3. What does Theresa serve the guest that Katherine's husband brings home?

4. What two things does Theresa's new male friend say make him happy?

5. When does Theresa decide to move from Brooks' house?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss Ali's formula for happiness. How does this conflict with his former wife?

2. Discuss the first continuing relationship that resulted from one of Theresa's bar pickups.

3. Why does Theresa decide to leave the Bronx?

4. Discuss why Theresa asks Gary to leave her apartment.

5. How does Theresa feel about finding Brooks with another woman and what is her retaliation?

6. Discuss Theresa's Thanksgiving Day depression.

7. Discuss James' sexual experiences when he first meets Theresa.

8. What is Theresa's relationship with Victor?

9. Discuss Tony's background and family.

10. Discuss the first time James and Theresa make love.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Irony is the contrast between what is expected and what actually happens. There are three types of irony: verbal, situational, and dramatic. Identify and discuss two examples of irony in the book. Which type of irony is it? What is expected and what actually occurs with your examples?

Essay Topic 2

What is the significance of James to the story? How might the novel had differed if he had not been introduced?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss in detail the author's inspiration for this novel. Talk about the real life situation that was the basis of the book. How was the author personally involved in the real life incident?

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