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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 was Jemmy Button treated by his native land when he returned?

2. During the main section of "Birds with no Feet" where was Alec Carrière collecting items?

3. How much older is Joel than Zaga?

4. Where are most Paradisaea apoda specimen kept?

5. Which of the following adjectives best describes the Marburg sisters when they were growing up?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the state of Zaga's life at the end of "Soroche"?

2. Where did Alec Carrière grow up, and what was his ambition in life?

3. How does Rose's life change in the wake of her father's death?

4. What scientific breakthrough does Carrière make in the biologic world?

5. What parallels can be found between Carrière and his idol, Alfred Wallace?

6. Why is Carrière jealous of Wallace?

7. Who started the winery in "The Marburg Sisters" and who runs it at the time of the story's setting?

8. What happened to Alec Carrière on his way home from Brazil?

9. What school subject do the Marburg sisters excel in, and how does this shape their adulthood?

10. How do Bianca and Rose spend their evening in August, 1980 when Bianca visits Rose's laboratory?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Much of the story "Soroche" is concerned with wealth - who has it, who doesn't, and how it's spent. First, describe the distribution of wealth within the story. Then, describe the choices Zaga has to make about her late husband's wealth, and the influences she received from outsiders about what to do with the money. In the end, do you think Zaga made the right choice with the money? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

The structure and narration of the story "The Marburg Sisters" has a huge impact on the way the reader understands the confusing and sometimes convoluted story. First, describe the narration and structure styles of the story and the rhetoric effect such structural choices have on the story as a whole. Then, explain whether or not you believe Barrett's stylistic choices were successful and why. Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

How did the parenting style in "The Marburg Sisters" affect the upbringing of Rose and Bianca? How did their father's involvement with the winery affect the girls' childhood? How did the Marburg sisters stay in touch with their parents even after their deaths? What message do you think Barrett is sending to her readers about parenthood through this story? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 962 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample