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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 are Avey's thoughts when she catches a glimpse of herself in a mirror in the Versailles Room?

2. Who tried to quiet Avey and Jay's fighting?

3. Avey's daughter, Marion, wanted her mother to take a trip where ______________________.

4. How is Avey's hotel room furnished?

5. What is Avey's formal name?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What are Avey's plans and how does she make her exit from the cruise?

3. How does the author use a flashback to show the beginnings of Avey's discomfort on the cruise ship?

4. What was Jay's response to Avey's hysterics?

5. What strikes Avey as odd as she watches the people at the harbor?

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

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

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

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

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 concept of loneliness as it exhibits in the story. Which of the characters are lonely? Are they all lonely in some way? Explain the loneliness and the methods and attempts to overcome it.

Essay Topic 2

Marshall is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphor, and irony, briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the significance of the book's title. What did the author mean by calling the novel Praisesong for the Widow? What other title could you suggest? State a reason to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 972 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample