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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. How did Hortensia disguise herself so as to follow Peter?

2. While working to apologize to Marion, what happens to Hortensia?

3. How is Hortensia injured in the crane accident?

4. What is Hortensia's former profession?

5. What does Agnes return to Marion?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How do Hortensia and Marion first meet?

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

6. How does Marion perceive race?

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

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

9. How does Marion treat Agnes?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What factors shape Hortensia’s very negative and mean attitude? What elements from her past? What elements from her present?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and dissect Hortensia’s complicated reaction to Peter’s death. Point to specific scenes from the novel that reveal her conflicting emotions.

Essay Topic 3

The reader never sees Peter or Max in the present tense. Why do you think the author chose to relegate the husbands to flashbacks only?

(see the answer keys)

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