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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. Why do Hortensia’s nurses repeatedly quit?
(a) They cannot handle her personality.
(b) They contract Hortensia's illness.
(c) They don't like Hortensia's house.
(d) They are offered better-paying jobs.

2. Why did Marion give up her career?
(a) To go back to school.
(b) To start her own small business.
(c) To raise her children.
(d) To focus on her health.

3. Though she dislikes water, what feature is Hortensia planning on adding to her home?
(a) A fountain.
(b) A jaccuzzi.
(c) A pool.
(d) A waterfall.

4. What is the first thing Marion thinks about when she wakes up from fainting?
(a) The Pierneef painting.
(b) Her house.
(c) Hortensia.
(d) Agnes.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What were Hortensia's parents names?

2. What is Dr. Mama's first name?

3. What is the narration style of the novel?

4. Who is Zippy?

5. How does Hortensia feel when she learns of Peter's daughter?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why can Marion not sell the painting herself?

3. Why does Beulah Gierdien write a letter to the Katterijn community?

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

5. What does Chapter Seven reveal about why Marion became an architect?

6. Why does Hortensia walk to the Koppie?

7. What happens in the construction accident?

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

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

10. Why do Marion and Hortensia argue over the remodel?

(see the answer keys)

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