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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 Anna goes outside to try to stop the egg assault on her house, who does she ultimately realize has helped her get back inside the house?

2. What does Olivia do when Ed and Anna break the news of their impending divorce?

3. Though David has been Anna's tenant for two months, what action has she never seen him take?

4. At whose request does the family leave the ski resort early in an attempt to get home before the storm hits?

5. What is Anna's answer when Little asks her if she had been drinking the night she saw Jane's stabbing?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the opening scene of the novel demonstrate the theme of voyeurism?

2. What is the relationship between Anna and Olivia and how would you characterize it?

3. What is ironic about the fact that only a year before, Anna and Ed had planned to sell their townhome?

4. What does Ed's comment regarding Anna's emergency line reserved for her patients reveal in regard to his feelings about her career?

5. Why does Anna let Ethan inside when he rings her doorbell, even though she has not bathed in days and she believes that her cat may bite a stranger?

6. What details does Anna reveal about the extent of her agoraphobia during her description of the umbrella, which her psychiatrist calls her secret weapon?

7. What theme is depicted within Anna's interactions with Lizzie?

8. How is foreshadowing used in Chapter 21 when Anna is talking to Ed and is interrupted by the sounds of someone downstairs?

9. What is the main reason Anna cites for her failure to call and warn Mrs. Miller of her husband's imminent arrival?

10. What emotions does Ed display when Anna tells him that she wishes he were with her and why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a critical essay about the novel while using the critical power theory lens of feminist theory. Use textual evidence to back up your strong, specific claim regarding the treatment of gender roles, feminine power, and other issues related to gender theory that can be found in the book.

Essay Topic 2

How does the theme of isolation function within the novel and what is the author's message regarding this theme?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the fact that the author identifies as male, while the protagonist of the novel identifies as female.

(see the answer keys)

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