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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. Why is Jess in a state of ambiguity after discontinuing the male hormones?

2. Jess thinks that her Buffalo friends would have said that life in New York was ___________.

3. How much money does Jess have when she arrives in New York City?

4. What did Jess find in New York that was not available in Buffalo?

5. To what event does Annie take Jess?

Short Essay Questions

1. What role does Jess take on with the union and what is her motivation?

2. What is the irony of Jess moving next door to Ruth?

3. What precipitates Jess' move to New York City?

4. Describe the encounter where Jess sees Butch Al in the asylum.

5. Describe Jess' mental process as she is about to inject the male hormones.

6. What does Ruth inadvertently do to harm Jess' job just as Duffy did years ago and how does Jess respond this time?

7. What happens at a wedding that lets Jess know that she cannot continue a relationship with Annie?

8. What is the significance of the apartment fire to Jess?

9. Describe the conditions of factories in the 1970s, which is ten years after Jess has been working in them.

10. What is the difference between Buffalo and New York?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the symbolism of Jess' motorcycles. What does a motorcycle signify in the butch-femme world? What role does it play in the story?

Essay Topic 2

The author uses several instances of irony in the novel. One example is the huge irony that Jess feels like a male but was born a female. Cite at least two other examples you can identify in the story and note why they are examples of irony.

Essay Topic 3

Feinberg is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphors, and irony. Briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

(see the answer keys)

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