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

2. In her illness, Helga is unable to
(a) Give birth.
(b) Love her new child.
(c) Pray properly.
(d) Ask the right questions.

3. When Brian tries to talk to his sons about racism, Irene
(a) Contradicts him.
(b) Speaks for him.
(c) Admonishes him.
(d) Encourages him.

4. Helga finds some satisfaction in
(a) Changing the women in the congregation.
(b) Living in the south.
(c) Being a preacher's wife.
(d) Living in poverty.

5. Soon after Helga is well enough to be out of bed
(a) She begins to give birth to her fifth child.
(b) She rejects Green's advances.
(c) She packs up to leave.
(d) She prays for redemption.

Short Answer Questions

1. Irene's encounter with John Bellew

2. What has Irene heard about Clare since they were young?

3. What does Clare's stationery say about her?

4. Whrn speaking with Hugh Wentworth at the dance, Irene

5. Brian would rather be living in

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. How did her religion help Helga through difficult times?

3. 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?

4. What do we learn about the marriage of Irene and Brian Redfield in this chapter? Is it healthy? Is it durable? Why, or why not?

5. Hugh Wentworth, the white author, comes back into the story during the afternoon tea scene. What is Wentworth's role? Is he a true friend to Irene? To Clare?

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

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. What role, if any, does Clare's husband play in the story so far? Is he a comforting presence? Why, or why not? Is he a likable character?

9. Is there anything we can deduce about Irene's response to Clare's letter without knowing the whole story? If so, what are they?

10. What is the author's intention when she puts the two women together in the hotel restaurant scene? What conclusions can we draw from Irene's memory of that day?

(see the answer keys)

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