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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 takes Mrs. Wendall to all of her appointments at the clinic?

2. Where are Jules and Nadine at the end of Chapter 6 of the second book?

3. Why doesn't Maureen have a job?

4. Why does Loretta feed Maureen sweets every day?

5. Who is Bernie Malin?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Loretta feel about Howard's absence?

2. What happens to Loretta after Howard's death?

3. Who is helping Maureen to come out of her catatonia?

4. What does Jules learn about Bernard in Chapter 4 of the second book?

5. How do Mort and Vera differ in their ideas about social change?

6. What does Loretta think about her relationship with her children while she is in the shelter?

7. As a young adult, what is Maureen's escape from her everyday life?

8. How does Jules seduce Nadine?

9. What happens to Maureen as a result of her method of earning income?

10. Why does Howard leave the farm in Chapter 6 of the first book?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the literary techniques employed by the author is that of switching viewpoints between the characters. How effective is this technique? Why? What does it help to accomplish? Is there another, more effective way to accomplish the same result? If so, what is it? Did you like this style of writing? Why or why not? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 2

The author barely mentions Loretta's two youngest children, Betty and Ronnie. Why do you think they are such minor characters? Why does the author focus only on Loretta's two oldest children? Would you, as a reader, have liked to know more about the two younger children? Why or why not? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

Bernard is a minor character, who plays an important role in the novel. Why is his character in the novel for such a short time? What is his impact on Jules' life? Why is his character in such sharp contrast to the other characters in the novel? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

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