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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. At the end of Chapter 1, from what does Zenia return?

2. In Chapter 1, what is the topic of what Tony describes as one of her more convoluted lectures?

3. In Chapter 9, what does Shanita tell Charis that the stopping of Charis's pendulum signifies?

4. In Chapter 14, why does Roz take the Benz rather than the Rolls to the office?

5. With whom does Tony have lunch at the end of Chapter 1?

Short Essay Questions

1. In her undergraduate days, what was Tony's relationship with the Common room girls at McClung Hall?

2. Why does Tony think Zenia created turbulence, and why does Tony feel compelled to understand Zenia's motivations?

3. Explain Zenia's romantic history with West.

4. Explain what tale Zenia gives Tony about her childhood and mother.

5. Why does Tony pick October 23, 1990 as the date on which to begin Zenia's story?

6. Explain what has made Tony, Charis, and Roz friends.

7. Explain why Tony feels insecure about West after learning Zenia is still alive.

8. Explain the black enamel paint in Zenia and West's apartment in Chapter 19.

9. Describe Tony's sand table and the game she plays on it.

10. How does Zenia use Tony in Chapter 25?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Larry, Roz's son, is gay. Discuss how his conflict over his role in society affects him and compare and contrast his experience with his mother's conflict over her role in society. Cite examples from the text to support your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Karen changes her name to Charis in the book. Discuss whether you think Karen's name change and Charis's occasional lapses back into Karen indicates a mental illness or indicates her strength in being able to cope with the terrible abuse she endures. Cite examples from the text to support your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

"The Robber Bride" takes place in Canada, and the characters live through the Vietnam era and the growth of the women's movement in the 1960s. Discuss how the geographical and chronological settings affect the story and how the characters and story might differ if Margaret Atwood had set the novel in the United States during the 1940s instead. Cite examples from the text to support your arguments.

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