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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 did critics say about Frances' performance of the piece in #83?

2. To where does Amelia retreat after her defeat?

3. What is notable about a man who approaches Amelia's house one day?

4. How does Amelia spend the rest of her life?

5. What is happening to Frances that Mr. Bilderbach is unaware of?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Amelia react when Marvin moves into the house?

2. What does Martin reason is the cause of Emily's alcoholism?

3. How does Mr. Brook finally confront Madame Zilensky and how does he ultimately handle the situation with her?

4. With whom does Frances share the title of "wunderkind" and why does she think she cannot live up to the name?

5. What is the main theme in this story?

6. What does Lymon admit to Amelia is his attraction to Marvin?

7. What happens when a young boy enters a diner one night?

8. What does Mister Bilderbach try to get Frances to play in her lesson to get her enthused again?

9. How have Lymon's feelings for Marvin altered the love triangle of Amelia, Marvin, and Lymon?

10. What is the nature of the cafe in the four years since Cousin Lymon arrived?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are several events of foreshadowing in "Ballad of the Sad Cafe". Define foreshadowing. Cite at least two situations in the story that serve as foreshadowing.

Essay Topic 2

Create a brief character study of Marvin Macy. What does he look like? What are his positive personality traits? What are some of his negative characteristics? What are his hopes and fears? What motivates her, if anything, at this point in her life?

Essay Topic 3

Explain the significance of the book's title. What did the author mean by calling the THE BALLAD OF THE SAD CAFE? Cite an example to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,084 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample