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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. What is Old Mrs. Karafilis' weekly ritual?

2. Where is Lux Lisbon's body found?

3. How do the girls reach out to the boys?

4. In what condition is the Lisbons' basement?

5. Whose idea is the "Day of Grieving"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was "The Day of Grieving" and how was it observed?

2. How do the Lisbon girls save, at least temporarily, their elm tree?

3. Describe the state of the Lisbons' basement on June 15th.

4. How did the three older girls end their evening at the dance?

5. What happens on Trip Fontaine's vacation in Acapulco that changes his life significantly?

6. How did Trip Fontaine "make his move" regarding Lux?

7. What do the boys see when they first look into the Lisbons' home on June 15th?

8. Describe the physical changes happening to the Lisbon home.

9. What do the boys make of Therese's ham radio conversations?

10. What rebellious activities does Lux engage in?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

One of the major themes of The Virgin Suicides is grief. How do different characters in the novel deal with their grief? Are some ways more effective than others? Why or why not?

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