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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. Who is Marelena?

2. What is the name of the neighborhood where the novel takes place?

3. What is the name of Marion's maid?

4. In what country is the novel primarily set?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the Samsodien family claiming?

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

4. How does Hortensia feel when Peter dies?

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

6. Why can Marion not sell the painting herself?

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

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

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

10. What happens in the construction accident?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why do you think the author chose to situate the novel in the neighborhood of Katterijn specifically? What details about the neighborhood contribute to the plot and themes of the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the interaction between Hortensia and Esme. How does Hortensia initially feel about meeting the woman, and what causes her to eventually do so? How does she come away from the meeting different?

Essay Topic 3

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

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