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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 does the narrator think is the only thing she ever really wanted in "Wants"?

2. What event sparks Eddie's resignation from the Home for Boys' Zoo?

3. In what way does Mr. Clop want Eddie to help his son Carl in "In Time Which Made A Monkey of Us All"?

4. What does the welfare office tell Virginia when she first calls after New Year's in "An Interest in Life"?

5. What event prompted Dolly to plunge a life "at least an eight of an inch in the fat of [her] heart" (140)?

Short Essay Questions

1. In "Faith in a Tree," what does Richard do after the protesters leave the park?

2. Describe Charles C. Charly's behavior in the courtroom in "An Irrevocable Diameter." How does Cindy react when he is questioned?

3. In "Faith in a Tree," why was Faith put on a commercial airline as a baby? What does she think of this?

4. What did Rose tell Vlashkin about his book, The Jewish Actor Abroad? How did he react?

5. Who is Josie in "A Woman, Young and Old"? How old is she? How does she behave around Browny?

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

7. Describe the young boys from "Gloomy Tune."

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

9. What happened to Ellen in "Living"? What does Faith recall of her at the end of the story?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose a character from one story in the collection and discuss their role in creating conflict in the story.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay examining how men are portrayed in Paley's collection.

Essay Topic 3

Write a detailed analysis of tone in Paley's "Faith in a Tree." Include whether the tone changes or remains the same. If it changes, include details on when, why and whether this change is effective.

(see the answer keys)

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