View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What kind of course did Jay pay for with his GI benefits?

2. Who is Avey's youngest daughter?

3. What did Avey fix for her family on Sunday mornings?

4. What language do the people at the harbor speak?

5. Why had Jay and Avey moved into the tiny bedroom in the apartment?

Short Essay Questions

1. What did Avey realize about Jay on the night of the big fight?

2. Who is the main character of the story and what is she doing as the novel opens?

3. What happened when Avey finally let loose with her suspicions of Jay?

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

5. Describe how Jay works hard to provide for his family at the expense of his own soul.

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

7. Whose transformation begins in Chapter 3 after Avey and Jay's big fight?

8. What reaction does Avey have to her sleek, white hotel?

9. What does Avey recall about the hard financial times they had during their early marriage?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the role of black women in the 1970s. What precedents do they feel compelled to follow? What restrictions do they have? Do they have any freedoms that 21st century women do not have?

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

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of hope. Identify at least two themes about hope in the book. Then cite an example to support each theme you name.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,097 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample