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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. On the way to the hospital to deliver Marvin, Doris is scared, but doesn't admit it. What is she scared of?

2. What does Hagar's picture of Bram look like.

3. What does Hagar tell Mrs. Steiner about the death of her son John?

4. After the bus drops Hagar off in Shadow Point and she purchases provisions at the service station, how does Hagar get to the fish cannery road?

5. What is the stone angel?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Hagar's action to go to Shadow Point say about her willingness to accept her current physical state?

2. What purpose does Doris serve and how is she contrasted against Hagar?

3. How is Hagar's emotional restraint again depicted in Chapter 4?

4. In Chapter 1, how does Hagar see herself?

5. How is the symbolic use of wings portrayed in Chapter 3?

6. In Chapter 2, Hagar's father reaches out his hand to her with heartfelt emotion. However, she rejects him both times. Why do you think that is?

7. What is the role reversal that takes place between Hagar and Lottie Drieser?

8. At the end of Chapter 4, why do you think Marvin decides Hagar will go to the nursing home in one week?

9. Describe some differences Hagar sees in Marvin and John.

10. Why is Hagar's name significant?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Hagar's speaks sharply to her sons and is not able to comfort or praise them. Was Hagar comforted or praised as a child by anyone? How did her father comfort or praise her? How did this effect the way she dealt with her sons?

Essay Topic 2

Hagar sites poetry throughout the novel, site the examples and their significance.

Essay Topic 3

They say hindsight is 20/20. As an old woman Hagar looks back and sees how her life could have turned out differently if she had acted differently. Name a way her life could have been different:

Part 1) as a girl.

Part 2) as a married woman.

Part 3) as a mother.

Part 4) as an old lady.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 893 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample