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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 is Rose the morning after she receives the letter?

2. Why did Son feel so guilty about Cecilia's death?

3. What nickname does Son call Cecilia?

4. What does Rose leave for Sissy at the farmhouse?

5. What news does the person in #164 have for Rose?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does it never occur to Sissy that Thomas could be her biological father?

2. How does Son's injury make Sissy even more resentful of her mother's distant behavior?

3. What does Son say about being wounded and Cecilia's not wanting to marry him?

4. What is the relationship between Sissy and the girls at the home, one girl in particular?

5. What circumstances prompt Rose's abrupt departure?

6. Who finds June dead and what is the turnout for her funeral?

7. What does Son keep the same at St. Elizabeth's even though with his inheritance, he now has the authority to change?

8. Who is Lorraine and how does Sissy meet her?

9. What is the reason that Rose stays so distant from Sissy?

10. How do Sissy and Son meet Thomas Clinton, Sissy's biological father?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a character study of Sissy. What are her physical characteristics? What are her motivations? What are her fears? What are her dreams? What else can you say about Sissy?

Essay Topic 2

Patchett is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphors, and irony, briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the ongoing conflict between Rose and Son. What are the main sources of the conflicts? Why does it perpetuate? Why can Rose not bear any close attachments, especially her marriage to Son?

(see the answer keys)

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