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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. What does the sign around the yew on campus say?

2. How many friends does May decide to visit?

3. What is in the shop the day May buys her suitcase?

4. How long has it been since May's brother has been home?

5. Who is one of Lindy's children?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does May think of Lindy's life and situation?

2. Why does May dislike cut flowers?

3. Why does the university give May a 4-week sabbatical?

4. What good memory does May mull over of time with her mother in Part II?

5. What tragic figure from early literature does May recall who had no friends?

6. What does May think about her cat, Hester?

7. What happens to May when she turns 40?

8. What tree is May responsible for planting at the university?

9. What are the "tree sheets" Earl gives May?

10. Who was Amber Dwight?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Who does May connect most effectively or deeply with in this novel, and why? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

How does May feel about her first visit to a friend, Lindy? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 3

What is the meaning and significance of May's Night-Blooming Cereus party? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

(see the answer keys)

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