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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. Helga's false pride masks her
2. Helga finally finds work as
3. When Dr. Anderson makes an assumption about her background, Helga
4. James Vayle, to whom Helga is engaged,
5. The remade green velvet dress
Short Essay Questions
1. Dr. Anderson has almost talked Helga into staying at Naxos. What triggers her rage, and why?
2. Why does Helga's lack of references hurt her job search? Why does she have no references?
3. Discuss the reasons for Helga's newfound happiness with her life in New York. What is it that pleases her in these new surroudings? Why does she feel better here than in Chicago?
4. Explain Helga's repulsed fascination with the Negro performers. Why does she return over and over to see them? Is this helping her somehow?
5. Discuss Helga's "maladjustment" at Naxos. Is it about the school, or is it about Helga, or both?
6. Devastated over losing what she secretly hoped would develop into an affair with Anderson, Helga's depression returns. Discuss the worship service that she happens upon, and its symbolism.
7. Why does Helga return to Harlem? Discuss her newfound spiritual ties to the black population here. Is it the same connection she felt before? Why, or why not?
8. Discuss Helga's newly emerging feelings about the black population around her in New York. What might this mean about Helga?
9. Why does Anne begin avoiding Helga? Has something come between them? What is it?
10. How has the gift of Uncle Peter's money affected Helga? Was this a kind gesture on his part? Why or why not?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
Write a well-researched essay on the effects of early American blues music on women's sexuality and the perceptions that surrounded it, before and since. Was there a "code" of sexuality for women during the 20s in black Harlem? How did music influence or coincide with that code?
Essay Topic 2
Who is Hugh Wentworth? What is his role in Larsen's writing? Do a close review of both stories and determine why Larsen includes Wentworth as a character. Is he simply a literary device for her? What does he represent?
Essay Topic 3
Write an in-depth essay on Dr. Robert Anderson. There are many things about him which attract and repel Helga. What is his role in Helga's life in Quicksand? What does he represent to her? Is there anything about him that would make him more attractive to Helga than the average man? Why does Larsen include him?
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This section contains 1,344 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) |
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