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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. In Maria's dreams of a shadowy syndicate, what does her contact want her to supply information about?

2. In Vegas, what does she take that belongs to the actor that she sleeps with?

3. BZ tells Maria that Carter is sleeping with someone in the desert. Who?

4. According to Freddy Chaikin, what is the best medicine for things wrong in the private life department?

5. How does BZ behave toward Maria the first time she met him at his house?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Maria arrested in Vegas?

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

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

4. What happened the last time Maria saw her mother and how does it parallel Maria's situation?

5. How does BZ respond to Maria's pleas that he stop hitting Helene the night after she blacks out?

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. What does Larry Kulik tell Maria about what people are saying about her and what does it signify?

8. What does watching the television and reading the newspaper reveal about Maria's state of mind?

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

10. Why do Carter and Helene assume that Maria had something to do with BZ's death and what are the consequences?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the role of friendship in the novel.

1. What is the nature of Maria and Helene's friendship?

2. What is the nature of Maria and BZ's relationship?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss autobiographical elements in "Play It as It Lays". What aspects of Didion's life is portrayed in the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the portrayal of marriage in the novel.

Compare and contrast Maria and Carter's marriage with BZ and Helene's marriage. What are their similarities and differences?

(see the answer keys)

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