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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 reveal became of her first pregnancy?
(a) She fell and the baby died.
(b) It ended in a miscarriage.
(c) It ended in a stillbirth.
(d) She had an abortion.

2. What does Aggie say to Marion as she leaves the library?
(a) "Don't look for what you don't want to find."
(b) "Don't come back."
(c) "There is blood here, Marion."
(d) "Marion, you can change things."

3. What hides the stain on Hortensia’s bedroom wall?
(a) A Pierneef painting.
(b) A sketch of the house.
(c) A photograph of Hortensia and Peter.
(d) A decorative vase.

4. What does Beulah reveal to Marion?
(a) Her grandmother was related to Hortensia.
(b) She is getting married.
(c) Her family wishes to make a donation to Marion.
(d) She is pregnant.

5. What did Marion say when Agnes asked if she could finish her degree?
(a) "I will give you the money."
(b) "You should go for it."
(c) "You cannot legally finish it."
(d) "You are too old."

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Hortensia feel that Peter does not understand her work?

2. What does Bassey make for Innes?

3. Why does fighting with Marion make Hortensia feel at home again?

4. What event takes place at the beginning of Chapter Seventeen?

5. At the end of Chapter Fifteen, what does Marion admit to Hortensia?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Marion removing the stain from Hortensia’s wall symbolize?

2. What does Agnes reveal about the painting?

3. Why might Aggie have said “There’s blood here, Marion” (169)?

4. How does Peter feel about Hortensia’s career?

5. Why did Hortensia and Peter not have children?

6. How do Hortensia and Marion’s perspectives on housekeepers differ?

7. What does the photograph that covers the stain in Hortensia’s room symbolize?

8. Why is the fact that Hortensia had an abortion significant?

9. Why does Marion struggle to admit her feelings to Ludmilla?

10. How does Marion feel to be staying in No. 10 Katterijn Avenue?

(see the answer keys)

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