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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 does Joel's family feel about Zaga?

2. How much older is Joel than Zaga?

3. In what decade is the story "Birds with no Feet" set?

4. Whose spirit do the girls conjure up in their first seance?

5. What U.S. state do the Marburg sisters grow up in?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why are the Marburg sisters so wild?

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

3. What happened to Jemmy Button a year after arriving in England?

4. What unexpected request does Dr. George Douglas make of Laughlin?

5. What devastating event occurs on Joel and Zaga's honeymoon?

6. Why does Joel often feel that his attention must be divided, between Zaga and someone else?

7. During the time that Adam Rowley is away, what does Laughlin spend his time discussing with Rowely's wife, Susannah?

8. Why is Carrière jealous of Wallace?

9. What does Zaga do with Joel's money after his death?

10. Who is Jemmy Button?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the story "The English Pupil" the main character is a retired scientist on the cusp of death. What concerns does Carl Linnaeus have about his legacy after death? What major symbolism can be found in the story to support the theme of personal legacy? How do Linnaeus' relationships - both familial and academic - support the themes created through imagery? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

In the story "The Littoral Zone" Jonathan and Ruby meet under unique circumstances. How do the two scientists meet? What is their initial reaction to one another, and how does that reaction change over time? By the end of the story, what is the state of Jonathan and Ruby's relationship? Do you think they are happy with the outcome? Why or why not? 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.

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This section contains 943 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample