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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. Which of these things does Elizabeth NOT wish to be instead of depression?

2. What is Elizabeth convinced she will have because of taking Prozac?

3. On what holiday does Elizabeth gets chased by her current best friend?

4. What is the name of Elizabeth's cousin who she will later learn has the same kind of mental illness?

5. Why are Elizabeth's parents suddenly talking again when she is in the eighth grade?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Elizabeth consider her father's first and last act of paternal authority?

2. How does physical contact with Abel make Elizabeth feel?

3. What makes Dr. Saltenstahl different from many of Elizabeth's other psychologists?

4. What is the Catch-22-like situation that Elizabeth finds herself in?

5. What is Graves' disease?

6. What does Elizabeth dream after her father disappears?

7. At the beginning of the party, what happens to Elizabeth's cat?

8. How does Elizabeth feel while describing her family situation to therapists in relation to her depression?

9. Why do Elizabeth and Jethro decide to take some cocaine?

10. What phrase does Elizabeth would say would have described her perfectly before she "cracked up?"

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Elizabeth begins to take Prozac but has a great deal of trouble with it at first. Why is this and how does having enough energy relate to her problems at this time?

Essay Topic 2

Essentially, this novel is a coming-of-age novel about a young child who overcomes tremendous odds throughout her adolescence to mature into a young adult. What makes Elizabeth's life so unique? What events or emotions does she go through that are common with many other adolescents worldwide? Can you relate to her as a person? Why or why not? Use specific examples of what makes Elizabeth unique and what makes her a common, everyday person.

Essay Topic 3

Elizabeth's writing style in the book is unusual. She will jump from a standard font to an italicized one. What impact does this have for the reader? Does it change the tone of the novel? Why or why not? What contribution does it make for the overall story? Does it encourage the reader to relate more to Elizabeth or feel more disconnected from her? Use specific examples from the novel to support your statements.

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