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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 was Dr. Belknap?

2. How long does Ellen plan to remain at home during her visit?

3. What does Kate say is her mother's opinion of Austen?

4. What is the first name of the psychiatrist Dr. Cohn recommends Ellen call on?

5. What does Kate say she's going to make Dr. Cohn for Christmas?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Ellen's reaction to Jonathan's news when he calls her?

2. Briefly describe the conversation that occurs as Kate and her guests try to decide on a color scheme for decorating the Christmas trees?

3. What is Kate's reaction when she first sees the wheelchair?

4. Describe Ellen's brothers.

5. What does Ellen say about putting the futon into her mother's home?

6. Why does Kate say she prefers to do things from scratch rather than buying them, such as buying canned chicken broth? What is Ellen's response?

7. What is the final thing George says to Ellen before she leaves the restaurant where they'd met for lunch and what is her response?

8. What are some of the noises Ellen hears while she's in jail?

9. What is the "secret ingredient" Ellen adds to the chicken stock and what does her mother say about it?

10. What does Ellen say she believes her role was in her parents' marriage?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Dr. Cohn suggests that a nurse be hired to help Kate with some of her difficult tasks, Ellen adamantly refuses. Why does she refuse when it's so obvious she needs help? Ellen herself had previously suggested to her father that a nurse be hired. Why is Ellen so against it when it's Dr. Cohn's idea? Is the nurse necessary? What is her impact on the family?

Essay Topic 2

Ellen is scornful of her father's lack of compassion for Kate, but he says that she should remember that he is taking "the night shift." What does he mean? Should George have done more for Kate? Is Ellen underestimating the role he's playing? Support your answers with examples from the story.

Essay Topic 3

Describe the activities Ellen and Kate share during the months Ellen remains at home with Kate. Which of these are most important to Kate? Which are most important to Ellen? Why? What is the effect of these on their relationship?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 812 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample