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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 color is the dress Maggie wears to go out with Pete on Friday night?

2. What animal does Chapter 4 compare Jimmie with as he drives?

3. How old is the person who breaks up the street fight in Chapter 1?

4. As young men start to notice Maggie, what does Jimmie tell her she should do?

5. What does Jimmie threaten to do to Maggie if she does not "shut up"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Jimmie's reaction when Fader tries to steal the old woman's beer?

2. Briefly describe Mudder's appearance and demeanor when she is thrown out of the saloon.

3. How does Pete's nonchalance and indifference at the show make Maggie feel?

4. Why does Jimmie have such great respect for fire engines?

5. What is Maggie's reaction to the show? Give specific examples of her behavior.

6. In their main altercation in Chapter 2, what is Mudders accusation against Fader? What accusation is Fader's response?

7. How is Jimmie's turn as "head of the family" similar to the reign of Fader?

8. What is Jimmie's attitude toward Mudder when he finds her yelling in the tenement hallway?

9. Why does Maggie think Pete might feel contempt as he sits in the apartment?

10. Describe Maggie's treatment of Tommie as they walk home. What does Maggie's behavior tell us about her upbringing?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

After a particularly combative day, Mudder and Jimmie have a brawl in the apartment in Chapter 9. At the end of this fight, Pete arrives to take Maggie out for the evening. There is a moment of decision as Maggie surveys the chaos and listens to Mudder's curses. Finally, Maggie decides to leave with Pete. Evaluate this decision based on at least two of the following factors:

A) The significance of the decision.

B) The ways Pete, Mudder, and Jimmie affect the decision.

C) The motives behind the decision.

D) The effects of the decision.

Essay Topic 2

Define and discuss the concept of hypocrisy. Where do you see hypocrisy at work in the story? Identify and explain at least two examples of hypocrisy in the text.

Essay Topic 3

Define and discuss the concept of poetic justice. Find an example of poetic justice from the text and elaborate on it, pointing out exactly what happens and why it qualifies as poetic justice.

(see the answer keys)

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