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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. How does Avey say goodbye to Lebert and Rosalie?

2. What color is the dress Avey wears for the evening?

3. Who is one of the Oldest Ones who approaches Avey after the dance?

4. What holiday does Avey recall spending with one of her daughters?

5. As what does Lebert regard Avey?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the sermon that Avey recalls hearing as a little girl?

2. Who is Rosalie Parvay and how does Avey meet her?

3. What happens to Avey when she finally lets her true nature come to the forefront as she stands on the hotel room balcony?

4. What is the topic the preacher engages in with the congregation causing such a stir that little Avey wants to be sick?

5. What is revealed about the women on the boat by the way they care for Avey?

6. Describe Avey's experience at the Beg Pardon.

7. In what ways is Avey's meltdown at the hotel a clearing of the path for her spiritually?

8. Describe how Avey has now integrated all the parts of her life into an authentic whole person.

9. What does Avey feel her family exchanged for its affluence?

10. How does Avey know she has come back to herself?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a brief character study of Avey. What does she look like? What are her positive personality traits? What are some of her negative characteristics? What are her hopes and fears? What motivates her, if anything, at this point in her life?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Describe the overall setting for the novel. Why does Marshall use the setting she does? What is the time period of the story? How important is the time period to the attitudes and issues of the characters?

(see the answer keys)

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