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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Anne secretly knows that Dr. Anderson might
(a) Have a split personality.
(b) Lose his job and become dependent.
(c) Cheat on her throughout their marriage.
(d) Lose his willpower when it comes to Helga.

2. What dominates Helga's mind when rich men court her in New York?
(a) Her simple life in Chicago.
(b) Robert Anderson.
(c) Her career goals.
(d) Her wish to stay with Anne.

3. What disturbs Helga about her conversation with Dr. Anderson?
(a) She wanted to stay.
(b) She feels she told half-truths.
(c) She is ashamed of herself for resigning.
(d) She feels she confided too much to him.

4. The portrait Olsen has painted of Helga is
(a) Exact and lifelike.
(b) A mocking likeness.
(c) Demure and soft.
(d) Exotic and wild.

5. Helga's attempt to overcome her loneliness in Harlem has resulted in
(a) A stronger sense of her self.
(b) Dullness and aversion.
(c) A more secure outlook.
(d) Anxiety and tension.

Short Answer Questions

1. How did Helga's mother lift herself out of her bad situation?

2. Why is Helga distressed at the end of this chapter?

3. When Dr. Anderson makes an assumption about her background, Helga

4. Knowing she is without support, Helga's desperation turns to

5. Helga Crane loves

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss Helga's "maladjustment" at Naxos. Is it about the school, or is it about Helga, or both?

2. Why does Helga's lack of references hurt her job search? Why does she have no references?

3. Dr. Anderson has almost talked Helga into staying at Naxos. What triggers her rage, and why?

4. What does the story imply about Mrs. Hayes-Rore's husband? In what might he have been involved? Explain your answers, quoting text.

5. What was it about Helga's past that was so unhappy? Is her unhappiness justified? Why, or why not?

6. What is it about African Americans that Helga hates? Is this opinion of hers new, or has she felt this way for some time? What causes her to draw this conclusion?

7. Why does Helga decide to marry Reverend Green? Does her decision make any sense? Is she not concerned about the reactions of others?

8. What is it that disturbs Helga about Naxos' methods of educating children? Are her feelings justified?

9. Why does Anne begin avoiding Helga? Has something come between them? What is it?

10. What is Helga's reasoning for not wanting children? Is this just a defense mechanism on her part? Why, or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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