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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Hagar returns to Manawaka when Bram becomes very sick. Upon seeing Hagar for the first time in years, Bram doesn't recognize Hagar at first. Later, who does he tell her she reminds him of?
(a) Doris.
(b) Marvin.
(c) His daughters, Jess and Gladys.
(d) His first fat wife, Clara.

2. At age 90, Hagar recalls only two things she has done truly free. What are they?
(a) Retrieving the bedpan for her roommate and telling Marvin he was a better son than John.
(b) Knitting socks for orphans and baking bread for the needy.
(c) Having two sons, Marvin and John.
(d) Selling eggs and her mother's limoge china.

3. When it is clear that Bram is dying, Marvin comes to visit him. Hagar overhears Marvin tell Bram something that she wishes she could also say to Bram. What is it?
(a) We will be fine.
(b) Go to hell.
(c) I am sorry.
(d) You are important to me.

4. When Hagar wakes up, at the beginning of Chapter 9, who does she see?
(a) Charlie Bean.
(b) Marvin and Doris with Mr. Murray Lees.
(c) Dr. Corby.
(d) Bram and John.

5. What question does Hagar ask Stephen that surprises him?
(a) If he drinks.
(b) If he smokes.
(c) If he is content.
(d) If he is a virgin.

Short Answer Questions

1. Hagar asks about Doris and Marvin comments that she has had one of her "spells." What is wrong with Doris?

2. Why does Hagar rarely visit her first son, Marvin, who lives nearby?

3. What calms Hagar as she is in the woods?

4. What reduces all people in the Manawaka community to the same desperate level?

5. Who does Hagar form and alliance with in hopes of keeping John and Arlene from marrying?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do you think putting on pink lipstick does to the stone angel?

2. Describe the irony, at the end of Chapter 6, of Bram being buried in the Currie plot, and having the Shipley name carved on the other side of the Currie stone.

3. What turns out to be Hagar's biggest character flaws?

4. How would you describe Mr. Murray Lees in Chapter 8?

5. In Chapter 7, Hagar's fear of the dark is admitted. Why do you think she has never told anyone she was afraid of the dark?

6. Compare Hagar and Doris. Has their relationship changed during this book?

7. Explain the irony of Hagar being moved to a semi-private hospital room.

8. In the hospital what is the ultimate humiliation for Hagar, that causes her to have to give up total control? Does she accept this gracefully?

9. Make comparisons between John and his own liquor made from potato peelings.

10. In Chapter 9, while at the hospital, Hagar finally starts to notice that she is different from other people, in what way?

(see the answer keys)

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