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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. Where do Chloe and James go out on their first real double-date?

2. What does Ruth drink the first time she goes back to Bop City?

3. What does Ruth do for the first time in a long time the first time she goes back to Bop City?

4. What does James say his father does?

5. What does Preacher Thomas talk about trying to prevent out of love when he was a young boy?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do James and Chloe do in front of Chloe's house that she knows is dangerous?

2. Who is Mr. Belmont and why is he so unwelcome in Fillmore?

3. What does Vivian invite Preacher to her house to do in Part III?

4. What does Chloe help Tony do most Friday nights to help him make money?

5. What does Horace's bookstore mean to Esther?

6. How does Ruth feel after having her baby and giving up singing?

7. Who reconnects Chloe with James, and why?

8. What does Esther realize she has a particular talent for in Part IV?

9. What is Ruth's wedding like?

10. How has Vivian thought of Chloe among her three girls up through the end of Part IV?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What are the main sources of rivalries and tensions between the three sisters Ruth, Esther, and Chloe in relation to each other and to their mother, Vivian? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay exploring how each of the three main characters Ruth, Esther, and Chloe assert more autonomy over their own fates as the novel progresses.

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

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