View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In "Death by Clamshell," what did the mob gouge out?

2. In "Widows," why does Nell not send her letter to Stevie?

3. In "Death by Clamshell," who was Hypatia?

4. In "Airborne," why is Leonie's hair wispy?

5. In "Widows," what activity occupies Nell’s time?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do humans assume the soul’s afterlife works and what really happens?

2. What does Nell speak about in her short/real letter to Stevie?

3. What discussion do Nell and Tig have in the Sauna – why does this cause Nell to be upset?

4. How do the women respond to Hypatia’s death?

5. What did Brig do in the mornings of his Muskoka family cottage?

6. What duty must Tom preform and what are his options after having fulfilled it?

7. Why did Darlene quit and what convinces her to return (in a non-official capacity)?

8. What does Nell not want Stevie to do about her belief that Tig is not really gone and why?

9. What did Brig do in his youth?

10. Explain the significance of marmalade making?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay discussing how Atwood’s use of imagery and symbolism allows her characters to express feelings they are not fully comfortable with. Discuss how it allows the unspoken to be represented. Reference one or two stories in the collection.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay explaining how the title of any of Atwood’s short stories helps illustrate their meaning. Explain how her choice of diction, humor, or subject guides the reader in a purposeful direction.

Essay Topic 3

Referencing both “Morte de Smugdie” and “Old Babes in the Wood,” write an essay arguing why Lizzie’s presence forces Nell to reflect and confront uncomfortable feelings. What is it about the presence of family that prompts reflection?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 890 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample