View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Dr. Lynn open the top window all the way?

2. Why is there no birth or death certificate needed for Delia's stillborn baby?

3. What phrase does Bridie say under her breath that makes Julia smile, because it is also Tim's phrase?

4. Why is Dr. Lynn somewhat concerned for Mary?

5. What does Bridie mean when she says that Delia is as well off?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are three ways that the reader knows that Delia Garrett is a wealthier woman than the others in the ward?

2. What does Bridie notice about Ita soon before she begins to convulse? How is this significant?

3. How did Julia receive her nurses training, and how long has Julia worked as a nurse?

4. Why is Julia worried about Dr. Lynn’s suturing skills? How are her worries alleviated?

5. Julia is contemplative on her commute home from the hospital in "Brown." Of what does she think?

6. What are two of Groyne's euphemisms for death? What does Julia think of them?

7. When Dr. Lynn gives the cause of the stillbirth, what is she actually saying to Julia?

8. Why does Julia tell Dr. Lynn what she did to try to keep Delia from tearing?

9. Dr. Lynn performs an autopsy on Ita. How is Julia affected by it?

10. How does Julia describe what she calls a “weird malady?”

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Along with medical knowledge of the early twentieth century, there are several mentions of old wives' tales regarding medical care. Give two examples and describe what Julia thinks of them. Why might they continue with these antiquated practices?

Essay Topic 2

In the hospital, there are strict rules and procedures when dealing with patients. Why do these rules exist? Do they seem essential? Are they effective? If so, how? If not, why not?

Essay Topic 3

There are several aspects of this book and how it was written that are a unique. Describe at least two of these. Why might the author have chosen to do this? How do these choices affect the reader and the ease of reading? How might these choices relate to the story? Do you believe these were good choices? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,013 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample