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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 Virginia write down her list of troubles near the end of "An Interest in Life"?

2. In "The Loudest Voice," why is Shirley's mother hesitant to let her act in the school Christmas play?

3. Who is the narrator of "The Used-Boy Raisers"?

4. Which character tested the War Attenuator out on the pet shop, killing all of the animals?

5. What did Yoyo become well known for in "Gloomy Tune"?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What do Jerry and Kitty discuss in "Come On, Ye Sons of Art"? What does Jerry tell Kitty when she asks what she would do without him?

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

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

5. How does Dotty manage the contest prize money and trip?

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

7. Describe Fred and Dotty's relationshp? Why does she leave him? What money-making idea does she approach him with?

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

9. What does Clifford say to Faith in "A Subject of Childhood" which angers her? How does she react?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

Choose two stories and write an essay analyzing narrative voice in Paley of The Collected Stories of Grace Paley. Include thoughts on how the narrative voice of the story is effective in conveying the story’s themes.

Essay Topic 3

Read a review of The Collected Stories of Grace Paley. Write an essay about how this review impacted your own views or understanding of the story.

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This section contains 841 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample