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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 is the factory best characterized in the story?

2. Who becomes Jess' mentor?

3. Where does Jess try to sleep on the first night on her own?

4. It was once ___________ for women to dance together.

5. How long does it take for Jess to work up the courage to go to Tifka's?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Butch Al and why is she so important to Jess' life?

2. Why does Angie suggest that Jess get a job in a factory?

3. What happens to Jess on her first night on her own?

4. Why is it a mistake for Jess to go into the Pink Pussy Kat Club looking for Milli?

5. How does Theresa react to Jess' desire to take male hormones?

6. How does Jess accept the fact that a black man gets a job she is capable of too?

7. When does Jess first learn that there are other people like her and that she may be able to find them?

8. What is the significance of Jess being called a "stone" butch?

9. Explain Jess' entry into the gay lifestyle as a young person and the way she learns to manage her emotions.

10. What is Tifka's and why does Jess find it a haven?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The story takes place as America is experiencing the Hippie Generation, the Vietnam War, Woodstock, and drug usage in the late 1960s. Explain the significance of these political and cultural events on Jess and the other bi-gendered people in her life. How would Jess' life be different if she were living as a young woman today? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Create a character study of Theresa. What are her physical characteristics? What are her motivations? What are her fears? What are her dreams? What else can you say about Theresa?

Essay Topic 3

The theme of struggling with personal identity is an important one in this novel. Describe how it extends through setting, character, and issues and provide examples for each.

(see the answer keys)

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