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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. Where does Emily work in Part 2: Chapters 3-4?

2. Who does Emily think Sarah resembles in Part 3: Chapter 1?

3. What does a phone call Emily receives in Part 2: Chapter 3 prompt Emily to do?

4. What are the poems about in the book Jack publishes in Part 2: Chapter 4?

5. What do Emily and Sarah do at the beginning of Part 2: Chapter 4?

Short Essay Questions

1. Would you say that Sarah is happy in Part 2 of the novel?

2. Why do you think that Emily tells her lovers about her sister's misfortunes?

3. Who is Michael Hogan?

4. What does Emily learn about Sarah in Part 2: Chapter 4?

5. What is Peter's reaction to Emily's outburst in the car on the way to his house?

6. What is happening career-wise for Emily in Part 3: Chapter 3?

7. How does Emily compare herself to Peter?

8. Discuss Emily's reaction to the masturbation studio.

9. Describe the party that Emily attends thrown by a friend in Part 3: Chapter 3.

10. Do you agree with Emily that Tony killed Sarah or do you disagree?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The opening of the novel reads, "Neither of the Grimes sister would have a happy life, and looking back it always seemed that the trouble began with their parents' divorce." Discuss the opening line in relation to the entirety of the novel. How does this first line set up the tone for the novel? What is meant by having a "happy life"?

Essay Topic 2

Emily is an optimistic character. Even though her parents are divorced, she remains hopeful that they will get back together. What does this hopefulness do for her? Does she retain this optimism for her entire life? Select no less than two scenes that exhibit hopefulness and her optimism.

Essay Topic 3

Death is an inevitable part of life for the Grimes family and several funerals are attended over the course of the novel. Discuss death in the novel, focusing not only on the literal meaning.

(see the answer keys)

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