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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. Who is Gerry's mother?

2. Where does Vivian live when the book opens?

3. Where does Esther work?

4. Who comes into the club Tony and Chloe are at in Part II that they immediately notice?

5. Where does Esther sometimes sleep besides home?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Vivian treat Freddy?

2. Why did Vivian originally move from Louisiana to California?

3. Who is Vivian very excited about meeting in Part I and why?

4. What does the police officer tell Vivian and Freddy in Part II?

5. What dream has Vivian had for many years for her daughters?

6. What do people call Esther at Horace's bookshop and why?

7. What kind of relationship do Mary and VIvian have?

8. Who sings during Vivian's meeting with Mr. Franklin and what does Mr. Franklin say about this singer?

9. Where does Ruth really go when she tells her mother she is meeting her study group?

10. Who do Vivian's girls tease Vivian about, and why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay analyzing Sexton's tone and style throughout this novel.

Essay Topic 2

Why and how do people in the Fillmore neighborhood start "caving" to Mr. Belmont's and the developers' demands and goals? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 3

How does Sexton describe the interplay between The Salvations' musical talent and sexualization? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

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