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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. Which of the following books did Lessing use to illustrate the difference in transitioning from the consciousness of a child to that of an adult?
(a) Pride and Prejudice.
(b) Hamlet.
(c) Tristram Shandy.
(d) The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.

2. What was the difference between African huts and English huts?
(a) English huts were much larger.
(b) African huts were made of straw.
(c) English huts had windows.
(d) African huts were two-story.

3. What was the name of Lessing's nanny?
(a) Betty.
(b) Beth.
(c) Biddy.
(d) Betsy.

4. What do Lessing's parents do in preparation for their next voyage?
(a) They drew up a legal will.
(b) They had their teeth removed.
(c) They saved money scrupulously.
(d) They studied French.

5. What type of animals frequently made their way into the Tayler house?
(a) Snakes.
(b) Lizards.
(c) Beetles.
(d) Cats.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Lessing, what happens to women as time passes?

2. Who stated that children should play in mud?

3. In Chapter 4, what city did Lessing's mother insist on traveling through on the way back to England?

4. With whom did Lessing board as a child?

5. Which of the following historic examples does Lessing use to support her claims about human nature?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Lessing's mother explain the bout of illness that kept her confined to bed?

2. What did Lessing suspect was the root of her mother's illness?

3. According to Lessing's memory, how did she learn to interact with people around her?

4. From the details Lessing provides in Chapter 1, describe the circumstances which led to Maude's broken heart.

5. Why did Lessing's parents have all their teeth removed before leaving for Africa?

6. What sensation predominated Lessing's childhood?

7. Describe Lessing's outlook on the future of the world and human society.

8. What did Lessing do one night when she was forced to remain in the cabin while her parents attended a dance?

9. In your opinion, why does Lessing trace her lineage in the opening chapter?

10. According to Lessing in Chapter 2, what is the role of truth in autobiographical writing?

(see the answer keys)

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