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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. Why did Lessing's mother rush from the farm to her home?
(a) Lessing's mother had heard rumors of an impending divorce.
(b) Lessing's mother wanted to end her marriage to Frank.
(c) Lessing's mother wanted to warn her about having too many children too close together.
(d) Lessing's mother needed to inform her of her father's condition/

2. Who recommended that Lessing see a particular doctor for an abortion?
(a) Her mother.
(b) Frank's sister.
(c) Mabel Griffiths.
(d) Ivy.

3. How does Lessing describe Frank Cooper's views on the world?
(a) Myopic.
(b) Dramatic.
(c) Disconcerting.
(d) Amusing.

4. In what year was Gottfried Lessing born?
(a) 1917.
(b) 1907.
(c) 1912.
(d) 1921.

5. How did Lessing feel about World War II at that time?
(a) She felt that it was an abomination.
(b) She felt that it was a catastrophic mistake.
(c) She felt that it was a necessary war.
(d) She felt that it was a good war.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Lessing describe as another form of intoxication aside from alcohol?

2. What was Lessing's wage when she worked as a junior typist?

3. To what does Lessing compare guilt?

4. What was waiting for Lessing's last son in his crib before he was born?

5. What book does Lessing cite in her discussion of the Russian front?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Lessing's reaction to the end of World War II.

2. How did John react to the birth of his little sister?

3. What did Lessing believe to be the true cause of her father's death?

4. Describe Lessing's decision to marry Frank Wisdom.

5. Describe the beginning of Lessing's relationship with Gottfried.

6. Describe the letter Lessing received from her mother in Chapter 9.

7. What rationale did Lessing give for her marriage to Gottfried Lessing in Chapter 14?

8. Describe Lessing's relationship with Ivy.

9. Discuss Lessing's mini-vacation to Capetown.

10. In Chapter 11, who was Dorothy Schwartz?

(see the answer keys)

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