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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. In what industry did Marion's husband work?

2. Which nurse does Hortensia actually like?

3. What was the name of Hortensia's classmate, nicknamed "K"?

4. What best describes Max's personality?

5. How many children does Marion have?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What is Marion’s current financial predicament in Chapter Three?

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

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

6. How does Marion perceive race?

7. Why does Hortensia scrub the cast-iron tub at night?

8. Why does Marion prefer her dog to her late husband?

9. How does Hortensia feel when Peter dies?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of “age” as it applies to the main characters and the storyline. Why do you think the author chose to focus on two elderly woman?

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

How do the flashback scenes serve the overall narrative of the novel? What information do we learn from these scenes?

(see the answer keys)

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