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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. What is Avey Johnson doing as the novel opens?

2. Where does Avey finally find some peace and quiet on board the ship?

3. What are all the people at the harbor doing?

4. Which of the following does Thomasina NOT tell Avey about Avey's change of plans?

5. What is the name of the island where all the native people are going?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Avey try to sort out the mess she seems to be in at the harbor?

2. Who is Clarice and how does she react to Avey's wanting to leave the cruise?

3. What complications emerge in Avey's dream when she, as an adult, resists Great Aunt Cuney's insistence to follow her?

4. What legend did Great Aunt Cuney tell Avey about the African Ibos?

5. What were Avey's daughters' opinions of Avey going on the Caribbean cruise?

6. What visions does Avey have during the night she spends at the hotel?

7. Why does Avey feel guilty about reminiscing about the days spent at the Halsey Street apartment?

8. What does the taxi driver tell Avey about the close ties among the community of people on the island?

9. How did Jay and Avey's life begin to take a turn for the better?

10. Where is Avey at the beginning of Chapter 5 and what is she waiting to do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The role of women is a main topic addressed in this story. Explain the theme that extends through all the female characters. What is the presumed role of women in America during the 1960s and 1970s? Explain by giving examples.

Essay Topic 2

The author uses some important instances of foreshadowing in the story. Explain what foreshadowing is and cite at least two examples, making sure to explain what makes each an example of foreshadowing.

Essay Topic 3

Why did Marshall choose to use the omniscient narrator perspective for the novel? What does this point of view entail? What do you know about the characters and the plot line that you would not know from a different point of view?

(see the answer keys)

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