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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 does Hortensia think about when looking at Peter's dead body?

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

3. Who was Marion's work partner?

4. How does Hortensia feel about Beulah Gierdien's letter?

5. In Chapter Six, where does Hortensia watch Peter and his mistress?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Marion perceive race?

2. What happens in the construction accident?

3. Why does Mr. Marx insist that Hortensia meet Esme?

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

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. How does Marion treat Agnes?

7. How do Hortensia and Marion first meet?

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

9. How does Hortensia feel when Peter dies?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How is dialogue essential to the major themes of the novel? What different types of conversations are had and how do they contribute to both the plot and ideas of the book?

Essay Topic 2

Describe Hortensia’s perception of and struggles with the concept of motherhood. How does this compare to Marion’s struggle?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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