View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why has Sybil created so many selves?

2. What does Dr. Wilbur see Willard's payment of Sybil's living expenses as?

3. Why does Dr. Wilbur have to hire a lawyer?

4. Prior to the meeting with Willard, what was Dr. Wilbur concerned about Sybil's personalities' stories?

5. What very important question does Ramon ask Sybil?

Short Essay Questions

1. As sessions progress, what do the other selves begin to do as they grow impatient for Sybil?

2. What does Willard do to atone for all the damage that Sybil has suffered through?

3. Why does Dr. Wilbur think that Hattie is mentally ill?

4. How do the selves, at some points, work together?

5. Some personalities feel that Sybil does not deserve to live. What theme is presented in the descent of these personalities?

6. Why does Sybil cease to have a normal childhood?

7. What do Nancy and Clara NOT attempt to hide from Dr. Wilbur or the other selves?

8. While Dr. Wilbur and Sybil have several conversations about religion, Sybil is still hesitant to let religion in her life. Why is this?

9. What happens to Dr. Wilbur and Sybil after Sybil's healing?

10. What is interesting to learn about the selves and their views of religion?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The theme of good versus evil constantly surfaces throughout the novel. Why is Sybil convinced she is evil? How do the perceptions of mental illness during the 50's and 60's shape Sybil and other people's thoughts about mental illness.

Essay Topic 2

How does Hattie use sex to manipulate the following people:

Sybil?

Willard?

Children in the neighborhood?

Her father?

Essay Topic 3

Many deaths occur throughout the book. Death becomes a central theme and important part of Sybil's healing.

1. What does Sybil's grandmother's death cause?

2. How do the death of Hattie and Willard help to sure Sybil?

3. Throughout the book, why do the selves constantly fear for their survival in Sybil?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 708 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample