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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. When Pete and Maggie join Nellie and Freddie, where does Maggie sit?

2. Who does Maggie meet as she wanders among the rows of houses?

3. How does Maggie look at Pete as they listen to the singer in Chapter 12?

4. Where does the "painted" girl end up in her wandering?

5. Who answers the "painted" girl's remarks with, "It's a fine evenin', ain't it?"?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do attitudes change toward the "painted" girl as she moves through the various districts of the city?

2. Describe the decor of the saloon where Pete works as a bartender.

3. How does Nellie's attitude toward Pete in Chapter 18 reflect a sort of poetic justice?

4. What is ironic about Mudders condemnation of Maggie's evil ways?

5. Why does the old woman stop Jimmie to report what she witnessed in the hallway?

6. Why does the "painted" girl direct her glances toward the rural, less educated men?

7. How does Pete rationalize his lack of guilt in the situation with Maggie?

8. How do Jimmie and his companion get Pete's attention after they sit down at the bar?

9. What does Jimmie do when the policeman arrives to break up the saloon fight?

10. How does Mudder treat Maggie when Maggie finally returns home? What is Maggie's reaction to Mudder's treatment?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Maggie emerges into young adulthood as the indisputable beauty of Rum Alley. The "philosophers" of Rum Alley debate how Maggie underwent such a dramatic physical transformation. They also discuss her beauty in terms of its potential consequences. Is Maggie's beauty an asset or a liability for her? Support your answer with evidence from the book.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Although Maggie makes a conscious decision to be with Pete, she still clearly has feelings for Mudder and Jimmie. Identify at least two instances where Maggie makes an effort to reconnect with her family. Discuss the steps Maggie takes and the reactions she meets with from Jimmie and Mudder. What does this say about their family dynamics and values?

(see the answer keys)

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