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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What kind of head piece will Clara wear to the ball to disguise herself?
(a) A mask.
(b) She is not going to disguise herself at all at the ball.
(c) A hooded cloak.
(d) A Spanish veil.

2. What causes Cornelius to become so depressed?
(a) His failing business venture.
(b) No one really knows for sure.
(c) His unhappy marriage to Margarethe.
(d) An accident in the kitchen that left Clara horribly scarred.

3. How many children does Clara end up having?
(a) Three.
(b) Two.
(c) Four.
(d) One.

4. Why does Margarethe tell Iris that she is better off being ugly?
(a) Because beauty does not help anyone in the world.
(b) Because her husband won't have to worry about her getting ugly since she already is.
(c) Because she won't ever have to worry about getting married.
(d) Because she won't have to worry about people only liking her for her looks.

5. What kind of life does Ruth claim Iris led?
(a) A regretful life.
(b) A rich life.
(c) A short life.
(d) A sad life.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Margarethe suggest Iris take care of the whole family?

2. Who ends up taking care of Ruth in her old age?

3. What does Clara confess, by her father's bedside, about why she felt such a connection with Ruth?

4. Why does Clara decline at first to dance with the prince?

5. Why does Margarethe feel that Philippe de Marisllac will be interested in Iris?

Short Essay Questions

1. What exactly does Margarethe believe happens to her eyes after she has seen the Master's horrible paintings?

2. How does the reader know Cornelius is depressed after his business venture fails?

3. What does Ruth have to say about beauty in the Epilogue?

4. What does Iris worry will happen to Clara if they are forced to leave the beautiful van den Meer home?

5. What happens in the dream Iris has the night of the ball?

6. In the Epilogue, what does Ruth surmise happened to the greedy van Stolk?

7. Why is Iris surprised to learn that many of the guests at the ball are still talking about her, even after the prince and Clara retire to the private room?

8. What kind of perspective can Ruth offer about what happens to her family?

9. As they are about to depart for the ball, how does Iris react when Clara promises not to take Caspar from her?

10. What reasoning does Clara use in explaining to Iris why her beauty is actually a curse?

(see the answer keys)

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