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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. Maria receives a mimeographed letter in care of the studio that is from whom?

2. What does Benny Austin tell Maria about her mother's health the last time she ever saw her?

3. What does Helene ask Carter as they wait for the papers to be signed at the divorce hearing?

4. What is the name of the casino where Maria runs into Benny Austin?

5. What excuse does Felicia give about Kate smashing her gift against the mirror?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Maria drop off at the doctor and why?

2. Why does Maria decline to meet BZ's mother in Pebble Beach?

3. What does the hypnotist Maria sees tell her about her problems and how does she react?

4. Why does Carter want Maria to stay with him in the desert where he is shooting and what happens?

5. What happens when Maria and Kate have dinner at Felicia and Les Goodwin's house during the Christmas holiday and why is it significant?

6. When Maria wakes up and finds Helene and BZ in the room with her, what vague notion does Maria have and what does it mean?

7. Why does Maria move out of her house in Beverly Hills to an apartment and what does it signify?

8. What does Maria realize about the day of the audition?

9. What is significant about Maria's meeting with Les Goodwin the day of her abortion?

10. What does Maria do when she runs into Benny Austin at the Flamingo and why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Maria's crisis of identity in the novel.

1. What is her perception of herself?

2. How does she define herself in relation to others?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the use of language in the novel. What is the purpose of profanity and colloquial language? What is the function of dialogue?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the importance of rituals in the novel.

1. What rituals does Maria enact and why?

2. What is the relationship between ritual and superstition?

(see the answer keys)

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