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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. Who is Mr. Alton?

2. How much time elapses between the first Lisbon girl's attempt at suicide and the last Lisbon girl's attempt?

3. What does Mr. Lisbon say was Cecilia's state of mind the day she killed herself?

4. What is Mr. Lisbon's hobby?

5. Which Lisbon girl is thought of as "the weird sister"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens in the Baldinos' backyard to arouse neighborhood suspicions?

2. Describe Cecilia Lisbon's first attempt at suicide.

3. What were Mr. Lisbon's problems with the cemeteries he visited?

4. What do the adult boys discover about Mr. and Mrs. Lisbon after speaking to Mr. Lisbon?

5. What does Peter Sissen find in the Lisbon girls' bathroom?

6. Describe Cecilia's ascent from the party to her bedroom.

7. Why does Mr. Lisbon have to take a tour of several cemeteries?

8. What major revelation do the boys have upon entering the Lisbon girls' party?

9. Describe a few of the changes the boys noticed at the Lisbon house after Cecilia came home from the hospital.

10. What does Cecilia look like in her coffin?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The character of Dr. Hornicker recurs throughout the novel. What is his significance? How does he contribute to the story? What is his effect, if any, on the Lisbon family?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the title The Virgin Suicides: is it appropriate? What does it mean, exactly? Do the characters contribute to its authenticity? Are there actually virgin suicides? Can you think of a better title? If so, what is it, and why would you choose it?

Essay Topic 3

Compare the story of the Lisbon girls to the story of the dying elm trees. How does one represent the other? How are they connected?

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