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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 magazine does Mister Lafkowitz point out to Frances?

2. Where does Marvin serve time for committing crimes?

3. How many years has Lymon been at Amelia's by this time?

4. Amelia takes Lymon to picture shows and ______________.

5. What is the Harmonious Blacksmith?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Martin Meadows find when he arrives at his home early one Friday afternoon?

2. Describe John's visit to Elizabeth's home.

3. How does John connect with his ex-wife, Elizabeth, while in New York?

4. Why could Martin's children not eat the meal their mother had prepared for them earlier?

5. What stage is the old man in in his system of learning to love?

6. Does Frances know why her piano playing has become lifeless?

7. What is happening to Frances which Mister Bilderbach is completely unaware of?

8. How do the wealthy men react to the news that the young injured jockey will never ride again?

9. After listening to so many of Madame Zilensky's stories, what finally alerts Mr. Brook that she is a pathological liar?

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

Create a brief character study of Cousin Lymon. 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 him, if anything, at this point in her life?

Essay Topic 2

Select three stories from this collection and explain the significance of their titles. What did the author mean by naming the stories like she did? Cite examples to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Describe some of the settings for the story. What is the overall setting? Be sure to include geography, time period, and any pertinent popular culture events. Why did the author choose to use these places in the story?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 941 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample