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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where did Lessing's family live before they found property?

2. How did Lessing's mother pack differently for her new life in Africa than she did for Persia?

3. What was the name of Lessing's nanny?

4. Who stated that children should play in mud?

5. What event in Lessing's childhood does she describe as having left her inconsolable?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 4, what prompted the Tayler family to move to Africa?

2. After tracing the history of her parents' lives, what does Lessing ponder?

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

4. In Chapter 8, how did the girls at the school avoid exams?

5. What essential skill did Lessing learn in Chapter 5?

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

7. Describe the circumstances that led to Alfred's depression.

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

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

10. In Chapter 3, what type of child abuse does Lessing describe?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

World Wars I and II played a significant role in Lessing's autobiography. Analyze the way in which she grappled with the Wars as historical events; and the repercussions that Europe and the rest of the world faced as a result of those conflicts. How did Lessing portray those effects in the autobiography? How did the Wars differ from other conflicts before them? What was Lessing's opinion regarding those Wars in particular; and the practice of war in general? What reasons did she give for her views on war?

Essay Topic 2

As Lessing recounted the details of her young adult life, she commented on the institution of marriage through a discussion of her three unsuccessful unions. Examine Lessing's position on marriage and divorce in the text. Was her notion of marriage and divorce congruent with the notion of marriage and/or divorce at that time? If not, how did her opinion vary? What were her messages regarding marriage and divorce customs in the British Empire at that time?

Essay Topic 3

Born during the final days of the British Empire, Doris Lessing presents a unique take on the Empire and imperial policy. Discuss Lessing's developing views on the Empire. Explore themes such as the ethics of the Empire, the financial ramifications of the Empire, and the social changes that she discusses after the fall of the Empire. What does her overall message regarding British imperialism appear to be? Support your answers with evidence from the autobiography.

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