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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. Helga marries Pleasant Green and moves to
(a) Naxos.
(b) California.
(c) Alabama.
(d) Chicago.

2. What has Irene heard about Clare since they were young?
(a) She has found a career as a dancer.
(b) She has been seen with rich white men.
(c) She is a high fashion model in New York.
(d) She has been a housewife.

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

4. Brian would rather be living in
(a) Southern Europe.
(b) South America.
(c) The Netherlands.
(d) South Africa.

5. What is the implication that surrounds Clare's rich white male companions?
(a) They pay Clare for housekeeping.
(b) They find Clare to be a good dancer.
(c) They find Clare to be a hard worker.
(d) They are paying a good price for Clare's company.

Short Answer Questions

1. Brian demands that Irene not

2. Why does Irene bring up Junior being exposed to sexually tinged jokes?

3. Helga's most recent infant

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

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the burden that these characters carry with them throughout the story?

3. 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?

4. 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?

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

6. 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?

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

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

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. 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?

(see the answer keys)

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