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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 money-making opportunity does Dotty present to Freddy?

3. Who is the narrator of "An Irrevocable Diameter"?

4. Where did Aunt Rose tell Lillie she worked in "Goodbye and Good Luck"?

5. What is the prize for "Jews in the News"?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. What becomes of Eddie and Carl at the end of "Time Which Made a Monkey of Us All"?

3. Describe John and his mother Dolly's relationship in "Distance." What details show you what their relationship is like?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Pick a character from one story and discuss their goals and motives. Do they achieve their motive? Do they share similar goals and motives with other characters? Do their goals clash with other characters? How do the characters' goals and motives affect their interaction with each other?

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay exploring the theme of motherhood in Paley's collection.

Essay Topic 3

Choose two characters and discuss their similarities and differences.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 907 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample