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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 the name of Hortensia's housekeeper?

2. What does Hortensia observe Marion doing from her window?

3. Why do Hortensia’s nurses repeatedly quit?

4. Who lives in Marion's first design?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Why does Hortensia not wish to help Beulah Gierdien?

5. What shocking news does the lawyer Mr. Marx reveal to Hortensia?

6. What was Marion’s relationship with her parents like?

7. Why does Marion label Hortensia "a thief"?

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

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

10. How is the committee dealing with the issues of Beulah Gierdien and the Samsodiens in Chapter Eight?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does the novel explain the development of Marion’s racism? What specific scenes from her childhood cause her to develop in the manner that she does?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast Hortensia and Marion’s respective treatment and perception of their housekeepers, Bassey and Agnes.

Essay Topic 3

How does the theme of “design” function in the novel? In what ways is it a focus of both Marion and Hortensia’s lives?

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