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. How does Jo describe her complexion?

2. What is coming through the roof in the apartment?

3. Where were Jo's boyfriend's ancestors from?

4. What item(s) does Jo have that needs to be left in a cool, dark place?

5. What does Helen reveal about Jo's father?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where did Jo get her bulbs, and how is she supposed to plant them?

2. According to Jo, why does she decide to sleep with her boyfriend?

3. How does Geof know the drawings belong to Jo?

4. What is one of Helen's habits that Jo truly despises?

5. In what time does Geof live, according to Jo?

6. How does Helen take Jo's news that her baby will be black?

7. Of what kind of darkness is Jo afraid?

8. From where are Jo's boyfriend's ancestors? Does Jo find this attractive?

9. Why is Helen in ill health?

10. Why does Jo lie to Geof about her boyfriend's origins?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Helen first husband is described by her as a Puritan, and she had not been with a man until she sought out Jo's father in the barn. How do you think Helen's conservative husband shaped her later life? Why did she sleep with someone else, and someone who was considered mentally deficient to boot? Do you think this was the beginning of Helen's life as a social butterfly?

Essay Topic 2

After Helen leaves, Jo has to work two jobs to pay for the apartment, but tells Geof she loves that it is hers. What is the significance of Jo paying for the apartment herself? Is it a sign that she is growing up and becoming more independent and mature? If Helen has stayed, would Jo have taken this personal step?

Essay Topic 3

Geof, while ultimately overpowered by Helen, is a very complex character. Do a character study on Geof, examining his motives, actions, statements, and reactions, specifically in regards to his relationship to Jo. Why does he wilt so easily around Helen? Why does he allow a drunken Peter to insult and berate him?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 761 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample