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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. How do Tyrone and Harry get motivated to work every night?

2. After lunch on Sara's first day of dieting, what does Sara debate?

3. How does Sara attempt to pass the time while on her diet?

4. What pact do Harry and Tyrone make concerning the drugs from Brody?

5. What does Sara argue with over food?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the progress of Sara's diet as she tries to diet alone?

2. What does Sara not realize about her conversations with the refrigerator?

3. After Sara slides the key under the closet door, why does she refuse to emerge even as Harry rolls the television out of the door?

4. What does Sara's reaction to the phone call from Lyle Russel say about her life?

5. Why would Marion ask Arnold about his wife?

6. Why is it symbolic that Sara answers whatever intrusive question the television company asks her?

7. What is ironic about Harry's remark that "juice heads are too much, aren't they? They really have no class, no class at all"?

8. What are the repercussions of Sara's addictions?

9. In Part 3, how is reality infringing on Harry and Marion as they first struggle in their relationship?

10. What does Marion's increased involvement with Harry and Tyrone as their drug business begins foreshadow?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does the motif of damaged mother and son relationships grow throughout the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Too often Marion, Tyrone, Harry, and Sara focus on unrealistic goals and fantasies. Examine how these characters live outside reality. What are their goals in doing so, and what do they accomplish?

Essay Topic 3

What is the significance of the novel opening and closing with Sara watching television?

(see the answer keys)

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