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. Who is Julia Power’s ward nurse, whom she replaces?

2. Why do the nurses have to bundle the Maternity/Fever ward patients?

3. When Ita starts convulsing, why does Julia say they should not put a spoon in her mouth?

4. What is the medical term used for a woman who is having her first child?

5. How does Julia describe the sounds Delia makes at the end of pushing?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What is Bridie's reaction to the cafeteria food at the hospital? How does this compare to Julia's response to it?

5. What are Dr. Lynn's areas of medical expertise?

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

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

8. What is the purpose for all the posted signs throughout the novel?

9. What are four nicknames given for the deadly influenza pandemic?

10. How does Julia become the acting ward sister?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

By the end of Brown, the reader learns that Bridie is a border in the mother house. What clues are given in both Red and Brown that point to the life of a poor orphan? How has this life influenced her personality, her behavior, and her attitude about herself?

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

At the end of the story, what happens to Dr. Lynn? Did you expect this to happen? Why or why not? Does this affect the plot? Why or why not? How might this affect Julia, in future events beyond the story?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 820 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample