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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 did L say when Kurt asked for opinions after he finished his reading?

2. What did M say before L jumped on the table and asked, "Shall we have fun?" (107)?

3. What did Tony do often when he and M first met?

4. How did M feel as Justine grew more and more independent?

5. With whom did Justine spend most of her time while Tony and Kurt built an irrigation system?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did M feel as she got dressed for her portrait sitting? What did she wear? What did happened between her and Tony?

2. What did Tony do while he and M were apart when they first fell in love? How did M feel about this part of her life in comparison to other times?

3. How does L describe his mother to M when she goes to the second place to deliver his package?

4. How did Kurt treat Justine when they first stayed a the main house?

5. Where would M watch her daughter when she was young and M was unable to see her? What did her husband do and say when he spotted M? What did M do not long after that day?

6. Why does M find it interesting that Kurt is able to speak so freely with L?

7. How old was Justine when M returned from Paris when her marriage ended? Why did M not see her daughter for a year?

8. Describe the interaction between M and Brett after Brett pulled Justine's smock over her head?

9. What new career path does Kurt decide he is going to take? What does he do to prepare?

10. What does Tony tell M after sitting for L for a portrait? Why does he stop?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay analyzing Cusk's language style and word choice in Second Place. What are some words that stand out to you and why? What words are repeated? What words are most impactful? Explain your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Write a brief essay analyzing the title Second Place. Explore the ways in which this title connects to the plot and themes of the story.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay examining the cabin in the North Hills as a symbol in Second Place. In what scenes does the cabin appear? What is the context? How does the cabin develop the narrative?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 767 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample