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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. Who has Mollie recently fallen in love with?

2. What does Philip admit to Mollie that he needs and can't go on living without?

3. Who is Mother Lovejoy placing the onus of saving Philip upon?

4. Who does the character of John believe needs to be saved the most in this situation?

5. What is the best description for the relationship between Mollie and Philip?

Short Essay Questions

1. What has happened to Philip's enthusiasm for his writing?

2. Why are men attracted to Mollie and not attracted to Sister?

3. Why does Philip want Paris to get dressed?

4. What does John consider to be a betrayal?

5. What time does Philip wake?

6. Describe the realization that has put Philip over the edge?

7. How does Mollie react to Sister's blatant question of whether or not she loves Philip and if she plans to marry him for the third time?

8. What happens as a result of Philip returning, startling Mollie, and speaking of their relationship?

9. What information does John give Mollie that makes her brighten?

10. How does Philip talk and feel about love and nature now?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the confusion of the character of Mollie in terms of the decision she must make between John and Philip. Why is she is love with John? What does John provide that Philip does not? In what ways is Philip a perfect match for her? In what ways is Philip the wrong person for her to re-marry? Finally, how will her decision affect Paris?

Essay Topic 2

The allure of security is a driving force in the plot development of The Square Root of Wonderful. How important is security in a marriage or relationship in the present day? How important was the role of security in a marriage or relationship in the 1950s? Discuss how love and marriage differ in terms of needs and desires now versus then, weaving in security and safety in your response.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the act of suicide in The Square Root of Wonderful. We know that Paris mentions that suicide is weakness. However, when someone is on the edge of despair where no rational thought takes place, could it be considered a sickness or a form of relief? Does Philip's suicide bring the family closer together or does it split them further apart. Does it serve it's purpose or is it the ultimate tragedy?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 661 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample