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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. After her marriage to Jim, why doesn't Maureen want any contact with her family?

3. What has the visitor been doing for Maureen?

4. How do Jim and Maureen conduct their relationship?

5. What is being broadcast on television when Maureen visits Loretta at her apartment?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Nadine's character is a very important one, in terms of how she affects Jules. What is the point of Nadine's character? What point is the author trying to convey through Nadine? What does the reader learn about Jules' character from his interactions with Nadine? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 2

Loretta doesn't understand why she has no connection with her children as adults. What do you think is the reason for the disconnect between them? Is there anything that Loretta could have done differently? Why does Loretta hypothesize that maybe she had the wrong children? Do you think she really believes this? Or is she simply trying to find a reason so she doesn't have to feel guilty? Do you think the disconnect is a result of Loretta's parenting, the family's situation, or a combination of the two? Why? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

The pronoun "them" is not only the title of the novel, but it is an idea alluded to many times throughout the story. What does the author mean by "them"? Who is she talking about? What point is she trying to convey by grouping so many different people under a single pronoun? What effect does the usage of this term have on your perception of the characters? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

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This section contains 463 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample