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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. When Miss Strangeworth thinks to herself "People must live graciously, after all," (425), what does this show about her as a person?

2. On what street does Miss Strangeworth live?

3. Why does Miss Strangeworth refer to the Cranes' baby as "her highness" (421)?

4. What is the best definition of "proverbial" in the sentence "Miss Strangeworth's hats were proverbial in the town" (426)?

5. What job does Miss Chandler hold?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain how Miss Strangeworth's need to do things perfectly is shown in how she writes her letters.

2. Who is Linda Stewart, and why has she been so upset?

3. What is ironic about Miss Strangeworth's criticisms of Helen and Don Crane's parenting?

4. What is ironic about Dave Harris being the one to find and deliver Miss Strangeworth's dropped letter?

5. What evidence is there in the story that Miss Strangeworth is well-known and respected in the town?

6. To whom do the townspeople want to dedicate a statue, and why does Miss Strangeworth say that it should be a statue of her grandfather, instead?

7. What details in the story let the reader know that Miss Strangeworth herself does not believe some of the accusations she is making?

8. Describe the exterior of Miss Strangeworth's house.

9. What worry does Helen Crane express about her baby daughter, and how does Miss Strangeworth respond to her concerns?

10. What does Miss Strangeworth write to Mrs. Harper, and what is she implying?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay in which you explain why the events in the story's final few pages--the events that lead to Miss Strangeworth's downfall--are ironic. Use textual evidence to support your claims.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay that explores the symbolic significance of Miss Strangeworth's habit of burning notes that are not perfect. Offer evidence from the story to support your claims.

Essay Topic 3

Certainly, Miss Strangeworth's behavior is extreme and cruel. But is Miss Strangeworth the only person in town who gossips and spreads rumors? Write an essay that makes a claim about the purpose of including details like the townspeople gossiping about Linda Stewart and the rumor about the tourist mistaking Miss Strangeworth's home for a museum. Support your claim with textual evidence.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,049 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample