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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Loretta blame for the disconnect between herself and her children?

2. How much time has passed between Maureen's year of catatonia, and the present time in Chapter 8 of the second book?

3. What year is it in Chapter 8 of the second book?

4. Why does Loretta seek shelter at the YMCA?

5. Why does Mort want to rid himself of his money?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Several of the women in the novel turn to prostitution as a means for generating income. Why do you think this is so? Were there any other options for low-income women who wanted to better their situation? If so, what were they? If there were other options, why did they choose prostitution over the other options? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

The roles of men and women in "Them" are very different. What opportunities and duties do the women have? What about the men? What opportunities do the men have, that the women lack? Is there a difference in the way characters of each gender are portrayed? If so, what is it? Do you think that these gender portrayals are accurate, considering the novel's setting? Why or why not? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

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