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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 Clare falls from the window, Irene cries with
(a) Horror.
(b) Grief.
(c) Guilt.
(d) Thankfulness.

2. Helga has developed a new appreciation for
(a) New York and its excitement.
(b) Hard work.
(c) Naxos and its efforts.
(d) The black southerners and their simplicity.

3. What is a personality trait of Clare's that stands out in Irene's mind?
(a) Her anger.
(b) Her selflessness.
(c) Her affection.
(d) Her energy.

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

5. Clare cries at the end of Chapter 4
(a) For reasons we do not yet know.
(b) Because she knows she is leaving.
(c) Because she plans to hurt the children.
(d) Because she is so happy to be there.

Short Answer Questions

1. What feelings come up for Irene when remembering her visit with Clare in Chicago

2. Clare now sees that if her marriage breaks,

3. Irene has a bad moment during the social event wherein she

4. When it comes to Clare's motives, Irene is

5. Irene knows that she and Brian and their children belong

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. 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?

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. 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?

6. Why do you suppose Clare is pushing herself so rigorously to get involved in Irene's life? Why has she not chosen, for instance, Gertrude, to reacquaint her with the black culture? What is the particular attraction to Irene?

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

8. What kind of parent is Clare Kendry? What are the clues, thus far, that help us to draw conclusions about her parenting abilities? How has Larsen informed us about this?

9. 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?

10. 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?

(see the answer keys)

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