View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Where does Helga encounter Robert Anderson again?
(a) At a local restaurant.
(b) At an insurance conference in Harlem.
(c) At a health seminar at her employer's.
(d) At a health meeting in a church.

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

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

4. Helga's attitude toward Negro "uplift" has turned to
(a) Irritable disrespect.
(b) Energized enthusiasm.
(c) Mild interest.
(d) Cynicism and disgust.

5. Helga tells her story to Mrs. Hayes-Rore who
(a) Admonishes her for sharing.
(b) Feels only sympathy for her.
(c) Seems to withdraw from her.
(d) Reacts with anger toward her.

Short Answer Questions

1. At the bottom of Helga's angst may be the fact that

2. The painter, Herr Olsen, finds Helga's looks to be

3. Audrey Denny is the subject of gossip because

4. Helga resents the authority structure's tendency to be

5. James Vayle is clearly

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

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

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

4. Who is Uncle Peter? Why does Helga expect help from him?

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

6. Discuss Helga's newly emerging feelings about the black population around her in New York. What might this mean about Helga?

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

9. What is Anne's problem with Audrey Denny? Does her hate toward Audrey make any sense? Why or why not?

10. What surprises does Katrina's character bring in the story? Does she provide a safe haven or a sense of family for Helga? Why, or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,304 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample