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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. As Helga watches the dancers, she sees
(a) Gradations of color in the Negro race.
(b) The beauty of her race.
(c) A blurr of color and light.
(d) The absurdity of her situation.

2. Helga is disturbed by her euphoric feelings from the music, telling herself
(a) She does not like to dance.
(b) She is not an African American.
(c) She is of Danish descent.
(d) She is not a jungle animal.

3. It occurs to Helga that perhaps her new uncle
(a) Will be attractive.
(b) Will be like Uncle Peter.
(c) Will be black.
(d) Will not accept her.

4. Helga wants to leave Naxos because
(a) She does not fit in.
(b) The staff is dependent upon her.
(c) She dislikes her students.
(d) She hates James Vayle.

5. Margaret Creighton is
(a) Afraid Helga might be ill.
(b) A lost soul.
(c) Concerned for Helga's career.
(d) Worried about losing her job.

Short Answer Questions

1. Helga found her job with the help of

2. Helga thinks she has now

3. What dominates Helga's mind when rich men court her in New York?

4. Helga has trouble finding work because she

5. What Helga respects in Audrey is

Short Essay Questions

1. What exactly happens to Helga in Denmark? What is her social life like? Is she doomed to be unhappy again? Why?

2. What does Axel Olsen's portrait of Helga symbolize? Is the portrait important to the story? Why or why not?

3. Why does Helga return to Harlem? Discuss her newfound spiritual ties to the black population here. Is it the same connection she felt before? Why, or why not?

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

5. What is the YWCA and why is Helga there? Is this a safe haven for her? Does it meet her high living standards?

6. How does Larsen tell us that Helga is irreparably damaged from her childhood? Helga does not complain much - how do we know that she carries old wounds?

7. Discuss Uncle Poul's reaction to Helga's weeping. Is he a kind man? A loving uncle? Why or why not?

8. Why does Helga think Anne is almost perfect? Is Anne perfect? What does Helga even know about her at this point in the story?

9. Why did Uncle Peter's wife reject Helga? Is she an unreasonable woman? Is she cruel? Explain your answers.

10. Why would Helga become alienated in a school for Negro children? What makes her different from other faculty.

(see the answer keys)

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