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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Hortensia think about when looking at Peter's dead body?
(a) Marion.
(b) Esme.
(c) Her father.
(d) Gardening.

2. While working to apologize to Marion, what happens to Hortensia?
(a) She has vivid dreams of Marion.
(b) She decides not to apologize.
(c) She gets in a fight with Marion.
(d) She contemplates what Peter would do.

3. Why is Marion forced to fire Agnes?
(a) She can no longer afford a maid.
(b) Agnes is sick.
(c) She thinks Agnes stole something from her.
(d) Marelena advised her to do so.

4. What is the name of the neighborhood where the novel takes place?
(a) Koppie.
(b) Constantinople.
(c) Cape Town.
(d) Katterijn.

5. How does Hortensia feel when she learns of Peter's daughter?
(a) Shocked and betrayed.
(b) Doubtful.
(c) Unsurprised.
(d) Excited and welcoming.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which word best describes Hortensia’s apology to Marion?

2. Where did Hortensia go to design school?

3. What did Hortensia do at night to distract herself from Peter's affair?

4. What is the name of Hortensia's housekeeper?

5. Why do Hortensia’s nurses repeatedly quit?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Hortensia walk to the Koppie?

2. What is the Samsodien family claiming?

3. Why does Marion enjoy working with Frikkie on her home reconstruction?

4. Why can Marion not sell the painting herself?

5. Describe the interaction in which Marion is forced to fire Agnes. Why is she being fired? How does each women handle this news?

6. Why does Hortensia arrange for Marion to be her nurse?

7. Why does Hortensia scrub the cast-iron tub at night?

8. Why does Dr. Mama visit Hortensia? What is their interaction like?

9. What happens when Hortensia tries to apologize to Marion?

10. What does Hortensia cite as her “last remaining comfort” in the world?

(see the answer keys)

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