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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. When Helga sees Audrey Denny with Dr. Anderson, she feels
(a) Sad.
(b) Happy.
(c) Jealous.
(d) Angry.

2. Helga could never marry
(a) A black man.
(b) A Dane.
(c) An artist.
(d) A white man.

3. Knowing she is without support, Helga's desperation turns to
(a) Determination to make it on her own.
(b) Plotting and scheming for greater status.
(c) Anger toward all white people.
(d) Revolutionary thoughts.

4. Why might Helga have felt alienated in the "Negro" school as a child?
(a) Her attitude was superior.
(b) She was not very smart.
(c) She was fair-skinned.
(d) She was not good looking.

5. The painter, Herr Olsen, finds Helga's looks to be
(a) Somewhat sleazy.
(b) Odd and almost frightening.
(c) Unusual and fearsome.
(d) Amazing and marvelous.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. One of the duties of her new job is to

3. Olsen refers to Helga's refusal of him as

4. Audrey Denny is the subject of gossip because

5. Axel Olsen tells Helga that she has

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Explain Helga's repulsed fascination with the Negro performers. Why does she return over and over to see them? Is this helping her somehow?

5. Something about Anne has begun to wear on Helga. What is it? Is Helga's irritability justified? Why?

6. Is it clear whether Helga is liked by her peers or colleagues? If so, is it genuine? Is Helga a likable person?

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

8. To what do you suppose Helga is attracted in Dr. Anderson? (Hint: Up until now, the author repeatedly mentions a certain aspect of him.)

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

10. Do we know why Helga loses interest in her present lifestyle? How would you assess Helga if you were her friend or counselor?

(see the answer keys)

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