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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. Does Hal go with them to dinner?

2. What does Catherine ask Robert to do, after he shows her his latest ideas in the notebook?

3. What does Claire ask Hal to do before he leaves?

4. Does Hal believe Catherine could have written the proof?

5. Why can't Robert concentrate in the house?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Robert so excited about working?

2. Describe Robert's demeanor throughout the scene.

3. Why was Hal the first person to whom Catherine showed the proof?

4. Why or why not does Catherine want to attend the University of Chicago?

5. How does Catherine react when Claire and Hal do not believe her?

6. Does Claire believe that Catherine wrote the proof? Why or why not?

7. How does Catherine get Hal to leave?

8. Why has Robert decided to write on the porch?

9. Is Robert upset that Catherine plans to leave? Why or why not?

10. What decision has Catherine made about school?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Catherine is a complex character: for a young person, she has held an extraordinary amount of responsibility. However, according to her sister Claire, Catherine now cannot take care of herself.

1.) Cite three instances in the text where Claire's argument can be made, and Catherine's behavior is reprehensible.

2.) Is Claire justified in stepping into Catherine's life? In selling the house? In moving Catherine to New York?

3.) Is Claire trying to help Catherine out of a sense of sisterly love, or misplaced guilt over Robert's death?

Essay Topic 2

When Catherine stays in bed for a week, Claire cancels her flight to take care of her.

1.) Does Catherine appreciate Claire staying behind to help her?

2.) Does Claire simply feel obligated to stay, or is she truly concerned for Catherine?

3.) Is Claire too quick to assume that Catherine may have a mental health problem?

Essay Topic 3

Hal feels some sort of a connection to Catherine. When she is catatonic in bed, he insists to Claire that Catherine may talk to him.

1.) What events my have led Hal to feel more connected with Catherine?

2.) Could he feel guilty and somewhat responsible for her breakdown?

3.) Is Hal a victim of circumstance, or could he have handled the situation more graciously?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 828 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample