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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What are the parents in the park protesting in "Faith in a Tree"?
(a) The Korean War.
(b) School Integration.
(c) The Vietnam War.
(d) School prayer.

2. In "The Loudest Voice," why is Shirley's mother hesitant to let her act in the school Christmas play?
(a) They are Jewish.
(b) She cannot afford the costumes for the play.
(c) She does not want to have to go to the play.
(d) She thinks Shirley will embarrass herself.

3. Why did Dotty get angry and leave Freddy's after spending a couple days at his place in "The Contest"?
(a) She found out he had other girlfriends.
(b) He told her she was overweight.
(c) He said he would never marry her.
(d) She found out he turned down a job.

4. Why does Josephine put on lipstick and a bra in "A Woman, Young and Old"?
(a) To anger her mother.
(b) To get ready to go out on her first date.
(c) To impress Corporal Brownstar.
(d) She did it as a joke.

5. Who was sent to the Hospital for the Insane on Welfare Island in "Debts"?
(a) Lucia.
(b) Anna.
(c) Michael.
(d) Maria.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Virginia refuse to make love to John the first time he tries in "An Interest in Life"?

2. Why did Anna not cry when Michael died?

3. What does Freddy tell Dotty in his postcard after she goes overseas?

4. Who is Margaret in "Distance"?

5. What is Volodya Vlashkin's occupation in "Goodbye and Good Luck"?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where does Virginia's husband say he is going at the start of "An Interest in Life"? What gift does he give her? How does she feel about this gift? What does she tell Mrs. Raftery when she asks where her husband is going?

2. What is Anna's story in "Debts"?

3. What does the narrator's husband recall fondly from their marriage in "Wants"? How does the narrator's memory of this differ?

4. What is the only thing the narrator says she ever wanted in "Wants"? What does she do in the story that she feels is a sign change is possible?

5. Why is Peter upset with Anna at the end of "The Pale Pink"? What does she say, which lifts his spirits?

6. Describe the differences between Eddie and Carl at the start of "In Time Which Made A Monkey of Us All."

7. In "An Irrevocable Diameter," what deal does Charles make with Cindy's family in exchange for withdrawing charges? What is their life like after?

8. Describe John and Virginia's relationship after her husband leaves in "An Interest in Life."

9. Why is Shirley's mother uncomfortable about her performing in her school's Christmas play? What theme does Shirley note in the play?

10. How did Rose meet Volodya Vlashkin? How can you describe their relationship in the beginning?

(see the answer keys)

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