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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Nella feel after any conversation with Agnes?
(a) Exhausted.
(b) Energized.
(c) Angry.
(d) Inspired.

2. What task has Cornelia been forced to undertake for weeks prior to Nella's arrival, causing Nella to worry that Cornelia will hold the task against her indefinitely?
(a) Refinishing the floors in Nella's rooms.
(b) Embroidering the linens and pillows with Nella's monogram.
(c) Building a cabinet house.
(d) Sewing Nella a wardrobe of new dresses.

3. What does the narrator list as the one object that "the reformers didn't pull down" (1)?
(a) The art museum.
(b) The church roof.
(c) The public market.
(d) The library.

4. What object does Marin refer to as being "early to ripe, early to rot" (15) in reference to Nella's perfume?
(a) Gardenias.
(b) Figs.
(c) Apples.
(d) Lilies.

5. What excuse does Marin provide when Johannes does not show up on time to meet with the Meermans?
(a) She says that he has been delayed by weather.
(b) She says that he often forgets to wind his watch.
(c) She says that had gotten the times mixed up.
(d) She says that he has been delayed by business.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Nella injure herself the night of her first kiss with Johannes?

2. What event is taking place during the novel's prologue?

3. From what source does the author provide both of the text's epigraphs?

4. What is Marin's reply to the specific culinary request Nella makes upon her arrival at the Brandt house?

5. When Nella gets back to her room after her first kiss with Johannes, what does she do?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Nella's expectations of Marin's reaction differ from Marin's real reaction when Nella tells her about Johannes's homosexuality?

2. What is ironic about Nella's mother's comment that there is only one kind of wife?

3. What are the circumstances of Nella's arrival at the Brandt house that are troubling to her?

4. How does Marin hurt Nella physically and why?

5. Describe the character of Agnes Meerman.

6. What is Otto's history?

7. For what reason does Nella decide to visit Johannes at his work?

8. How does Nella feel when Marin reveals that she has known all along that her brother Johannes is gay?

9. What is Nella's mother's reply when Nella says she does not want to be the kind of wife that behaves as the "rams and ewes of Assendelft" (26) do?

10. What does Nella's parakeet Peebo symbolize?

(see the answer keys)

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