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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. Irene's response to Clare's letter is that she
(a) Desperately wants to see her.
(b) Wants to rekindle their friendship.
(c) Really does not want to see her.
(d) Hopes Clare will come soon.

2. Brian demands that Irene not
(a) Divert him from complaining about his job.
(b) Talk of sex at the table.
(c) Talk to him so much.
(d) Molly-coddle their son.

3. Clare is upset that she will have to leave New York to
(a) Rejoin her husband in Switzerland.
(b) Retrieve her daughter from Switzerland.
(c) Get back into white society.
(d) See her daughter in Switzerland.

4. Whrn speaking with Hugh Wentworth at the dance, Irene
(a) Discloses all she knows about Clare.
(b) Is embarrassed about bringing Clare.
(c) Does not tell him Clare is black.
(d) Complains about Brian.

5. Clare married her husband because
(a) He has money.
(b) She wanted a banker.
(c) She wanted children.
(d) She loves him.

Short Answer Questions

1. This chapter finds Brian Redfield

2. Helga makes the decision while she is still bedridden to

3. Irene allowing Clare into the private rooms of the house symbolizes

4. What is a personality trait of Clare's that stands out in Irene's mind?

5. How does Irene conclude that Brian and Clare are having an affair?

Short Essay Questions

1. What, exactly, does Irene fervently wish John Bellew could know? Why?

2. Discuss Helga's new exuberance as the wife of a minister.

3. Things have taken a turn for the worse at the Redfields'. What are the clues that the story is inching toward a conclusion as it pertains to the Redfields and Clare Kendry? What conclusions can we draw about this section of the story?

4. What is odd about the initial meeting among Irene, Gertrude and Clare? Are these conversations typical among women friends? What, if anything, makes the visit among the three women unusual?

5. What is your initial assessment of Clare Kendry? Do we know enough about her in these first two chapters to draw any conclusions about her? If so, what would they be?

6. Discuss how giving birth to her fourth child seems to be Helga's breaking point. Why does this happen? What does the death of her infant symbolize?

7. Speculate on why Clare is silent at the Redfield dinner table, but talkative and gregarious a parties with others. Does she have a split personality, or is she just shy at the Redfields'? How does Larsen let on what is going on without saying it?

8. How does this time in Helga's life compare to other times? Is it similar or different? In what ways?

9. Clare attends the Negro League dance with Brian and Irene. What does the dance symbolize in the story? Why is Irene careful to arrange a ride home for Clare?

10. What do we know about Clare Kendry from her letter to Irene? What do we know about her from this chapter?

(see the answer keys)

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