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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. Who does Gary say is clinically depressed?

2. Why did Chip get fired from his position at the university?

3. What newspaper does Chip throw in the trash can?

4. Why has Gary's mixed grill become a family joke?

5. What kind of drug does Melissa initially tell Chip she has?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Enid prefer Jonah to Gary's other children?

2. How did Denise determine that she didn't become a squishy liberal?

3. Why did Enid feel jealous of her neighbors while awaiting her third child?

4. How does Gitanas worry Chip in this section?

5. What kind of relationship does Chip think one should have with their parents?

6. Describe Gitanas Misevious.

7. What does Alfred now use the ping pong table for?

8. What were the differences between Gary and Chip as boys?

9. What is Caroline's reason for not going to St. Judes for Christmas?

10. Why is Enid so impressed with Gene?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Identify the main themes of the story. In what way are these themes relevant to the period? How does the author use character and setting to express these themes?

Essay Topic 2

What are the roles of Brian and Robin in the novel? How do they affect Denise and the decisions she makes? How would the story would change if they were not part of it?

Essay Topic 3

Pick a character from the book and discuss his or her 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?

(see the answer keys)

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