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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 drink does Chloe frequently drink?

2. What time of day is it when Vivian leaves her meeting with Mr. Franklin?

3. What does Vivian serve for dinner to the Preacher, Horace, and others in Part I?

4. Who performs during Vivian's meeting with Mr. Franklin?

5. What does Vivian tell Ruth there is nothing she can do herself to change in Part I?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Ruth realize in Part I that will change her future forever?

3. What is Esther known for in her own family?

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

5. What happens to Esther in childhood that makes her separate from her family somewhat?

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

7. Why does Chloe worry about her friend Tony?

8. How does Vivian treat Freddy?

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

10. What is the name of the girls' singing group and what does the name signify?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At the end of the novel, Sexton suggests that several characters have embarked on fresh starts, or at least different directions for their life paths. Write an essay explaining how the author demonstrates the possibilities and power of second chances, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 2

How does the trauma of Vivian's early life - namely, the murder of her father by the Ku Klux Klan - affect her perspective and life path in Fillmore later on? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 3

Initially, how do Horace, Esther, and other local activists work to try to preserve the fabric and integrity of the Fillmore area? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 584 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample