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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 remembers being in Denmark where people

2. Helga remembers her mother being

3. James Vayle is clearly

4. Anne does not know that Helga

5. When it comes to Dr. Anderson, Helga has now developed a vague sense of

Short Essay Questions

1. Something about Anne has begun to wear on Helga. What is it? Is Helga's irritability justified? Why?

2. Why would Helga become alienated in a school for Negro children? What makes her different from other faculty.

3. 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?

4. What does the story imply about Mrs. Hayes-Rore's husband? In what might he have been involved? Explain your answers, quoting text.

5. Why did Uncle Peter's wife reject Helga? Is she an unreasonable woman? Is she cruel? Explain your answers.

6. Is Helga feeling regret as she leaves Naxos? Why or why not? Is this a good move for her career? Is sh being responsible?

7. Discuss Axel Olsen's inappropriateness with Helga. What kind of person is he? Why does Helga reject him?

8. What exactly happens to Helga in Denmark? What is her social life like? Is she doomed to be unhappy again? Why?

9. What is Anne's problem with Audrey Denny? Does her hate toward Audrey make any sense? Why or why not?

10. Explain Helga's repulsed fascination with the Negro performers. Why does she return over and over to see them? Is this helping her somehow?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the 1920s, being of mixed race was not easy, as exemplified by these stories. How have things changed in America in this regard, or have they? Is there more freedom now for mixed marriages and bi-racial children? Why, or why not? What are some of the hardships faced by bi-racial couples and children?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Determine the meaning of the word "outre" and explain how the concept is used in Larsen's descriptions of Helga Crane. Did Helga play the peacock role well? Did she enjoy it? Can you think of other examples of people being so different from others in their environment, that their only option is to expand on those differences? Explain your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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