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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. Why is Irene offended by Clare's use of a PO Box for a return address?
(a) She is hiding her real address.
(b) It implies Clare thinks Irene would be indiscreet.
(c) It implies that Clare is being sarcastic.
(d) It shows Clare's devious nature.

2. Helga chooses to remain
(a) Bedridden for as long as she can.
(b) A servant of God.
(c) In Alabama with her beloved husband.
(d) In her unhappy situation.

3. What happened to Clare's father?
(a) He died in a car accident.
(b) He was imprisoned.
(c) He died from injuries in a fight.
(d) He left Clare when she was small.

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

5. When Clare mentions she would do anything to get what she wants, it
(a) Was meant to alert Brian of her intentions.
(b) Indicates danger to the children.
(c) Should have been a clue for Irene.
(d) Exposes her violent nature.

Short Answer Questions

1. Irene does not tell Brian about bumping into Bellew because

2. In this section, Clare is now

3. At the Redfields' private dinner table, Clare is

4. Irene privately considers what it would be like if

5. What did Clare's aunts do to her?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. 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?

3. During a period while Clare is gone, is there peace in the Redfield home? Why, or why not?

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

5. 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?

6. 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?

7. 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?

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

9. After two years pass, Clare again wants to become involved in Irene's life. Is Irene's reaction negative or positive? Explain her reaction.

10. 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?

(see the answer keys)

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