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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In the hospital, what does Maria try NOT to think about?
(a) Movies and red roses.
(b) Dead things and plumbing.
(c) The ocean and newspapers.
(d) Winter mornings and ice tea.

2. Why does Maria prefer the studio cut of the second picture Carter made with her?
(a) Because the motorcycle gang seemed to be punished for their crimes.
(b) Because the girl on screen seemed not to have a care in the world.
(c) Because the girl on screen seemed to have a knack for controlling her own destiny.
(d) Because the motorcycle gang seemed to get away with murder.

3. What time is it essential for Maria to embark on her new pastime?
(a) Seven.
(b) Five.
(c) Ten.
(d) Two.

4. Who gives BZ and Helene money to stay married?
(a) Carter.
(b) Helene's aunt.
(c) Freddy Chaikin.
(d) BZ's mother.

5. Why does BZ tell Maria that they had to shut down the set in the desert?
(a) Because someone got hurt.
(b) Because they ran out of cash.
(c) Because of the fire.
(d) Because the lead skipped town.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does BZ tell Maria about an actress who was admitted to UCLA Neuropsychiatric?

2. Whom does Freddy Chaikin tell Maria he will show film to if she wants to work again?

3. After learning of her mother's death, what did Maria do for a month?

4. How is Maria playing on the lawn with the baby as Carter recalls in the beginning of the novel?

5. What object does Maria later try to remember if the doctor took with him when he left the bedroom?

Short Essay Questions

1. In the period before Maria has her abortion, what rituals does she perform in order to induce menstruation and why does she do them?

2. How does Maria feel after her abortion and what does it signify?

3. Who is Paulette and what is Maria's relationship to her?

4. What kind of arrangements does Maria have to make in order to terminate her pregnancy at this time?

5. Who is Benny Austin and what does he represent in the novel?

6. What does Maria do when she moves to New York and why is it significant?

7. Where does Maria begin to sleep after her breakup with Carter and why is it significant?

8. What is the location of Maria's abortion and what does it represent?

9. Why does Carter tell Maria tell Kate that it is not good for her to visit Kate unannounced and what does it reveal about Kate's treatment?

10. What does Maria do the first month after she and Carter break up and what does it signify?

(see the answer keys)

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