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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. What revives Hetty enough that she thinks she might live through the winter?

2. What does Mary make for the woman?

3. Why does the man in #120 pursue Maureen?

4. How many children does Hetty have?

5. How many children do Susan and Matthew eventually have?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Jack's dream reveal to him?

2. Why is Hetty originally willing to move from the streets to an official home and what stops her?

3. What is the premise of "An Old Woman and Her Cat"?

4. What does Catherine learn from Isaac Babel?

5. What drives Hetty to living a life alone on the streets?

6. What happens in the story after Hetty's death?

7. Describe Hetty's existence as a homeless woman with no family.

8. Why does Susan consider leaving a note for the coroner before she dies?

9. What do Maureen and Stanley seem to have in common?

10. How do Maureen and Shirley become friends in "Notes for a Case History"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

Explain the role of women in England in the mid-20th century when the women in the stories are living their lives. What precedents do they feel compelled to follow? What restrictions do they have? What freedoms did they have that 21st century women do not have?

Essay Topic 3

Create a character study of Hetty Pennefather in "An Old Woman and Her Cat". What are her physical characteristics? What are her motivations? What are her fears? What are her dreams? What else can you say about Hetty?

(see the answer keys)

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