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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. According to Anderson, what new undertaking in her writing required her to risk her pride?

2. In what kind of store at the mall did Anderson work during her teenage years?

3. To whom does Anderson address the poem entitled "innocence" (192)?

4. What kind of class did Anderson's professor teach, as described within the poem entitled "drawn and quartered"?

5. On what kind of farm did Anderson live as a child?

Short Essay Questions

1. To whom does Anderson address the poem entitled “forgiveness” (206)?

2. What two elements does Anderson contrast within the poem “triptych” (210) and for what purpose?

3. How does Anderson instill suspense into a particular moment within her poetry memoir?

4. How does the theme of class difference arise within the poem entitled “sweet-and-sour tea” (142)?

5. What is one suggestion that Anderson provides in relation to how young women should be instructed in a different manner than the ways in which they are currently taught?

6. What mistakes does Anderson think that Western society is making when socializing young boys and why?

7. What aspect of Anderson’s life ensured that she would work hard in community college?

8. How does the theme of family bonds enter the part of the memoir about Anderson’s return home from Denmark?

9. Who is Danuta Danielsson and what is the significance of her introduction?

10. How does the motif of dreams enter Anderson’s poetry memoir?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Trace Anderson’s character arc throughout the poetry memoir SHOUT. Discuss whether Anderson is presenting herself as a person who has changed (dynamic) or a person who has remained the same over time (static). Connect Anderson’s choice to the overarching themes present within the text.

Essay Topic 2

How do the themes of deception and secrecy function within SHOUT and what is Anderson’s message regarding these themes?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Anderson's choice to tell the story of SHOUT using the form of a poetry memoir. What elements of the story’s themes lend themselves to this choice and what are Anderson’s intended effects on the reader?

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