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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. Why does Amelia not say anything to Lymon about giving so many privileges to Marvin?

2. Frances believes she can never be ___________________.

3. With what is Marvin associated in the story?

4. What does Frances do when Mr. Bilderbach wants her to play?

5. For how long do Amelia and Marvin throw punches at each other?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the old man's "a tree, a rock, a cloud" system of learning to love.

2. What does the old man tell the boy about the woman he had been married to?

3. What happens to Marvin after Amelia kicks him out of the house?

4. What is the result of the one-sided relationship between Amelia and Cousin Lymon?

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

6. Why do the men in town get riled up on the day after Cousin Lymon's arrival and what are their plans?

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

8. What is the dilemma the author writes about in the title of the story?

9. What unusual event occurs on Marvin and Amelia's wedding night and how does Marvin try to salvage the situation?

10. Compare and contrast John's life now with the new life Elizabeth has created.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The frustration of unfulfilled affection touches several characters in the story. Name at least two characters who experience unfulfilled love and the situations that occur as a result.

Essay Topic 2

"Ballad of the Sad Cafe" is a classic story of love and betrayal. What does that classification entail? Why does this story fit into this category? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,123 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample