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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. What does Norah ask Reta about their family when she is nine years-old?

2. What praise does Reta give Alexander Valkner about his article "The History of Dictionaries"?

3. According to Reta, what is there a sense of that runs throughout her main characters' story?

4. What does Reta question about her feelings for Tom?

5. According to Reta, what is the most important aspect in her life?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Reta initially think Norah's problems may have stemmed from her relationship with Ben Abbot?

2. What are some concerns Reta has in creating her fictional character Alicia, and how are they significant?

3. What does Reta's husband Tom do for a living and how is it significant concerning Norah's absence?

4. Describe the response of the Winters' family to seeing the hostel where Norah stays and its significance.

5. Describe life in the Winters' household.

6. Why does Reta realize that she cannot create a perfect woman as a hero in her novel?

7. According to Ben, how has Norah changed in the few weeks prior to her disappearance?

8. What attempt does Reta make to bribe her daughter Norah to come home when she visits her on her street corner and how successful is she?

9. Why does the memory of shopping for the perfect scarf for Norah haunt Reta as a "big female secret" and what does the scarf represent?

10. Describe Norah's thoughts about the two main characters in her novel, and why they are significant.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the novel, Reta has several flashbacks about Norah in the weeks before her disappearance. Choose three memories and discuss what they reveal about Reta, Norah, and the nature of their relationship.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the significance of goodness in the novel as an idea and a catalyst for change, responding to the following questions:

1. What does the concept of goodness mean to Reta?

2. What does the concept of goodness mean to Norah?

3. What is the overall message of goodness as an idea in the novel?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Shields' portrayal of the media in the novel, responding to the following questions:

1. What role does the media have in advancing the plot?

2. What is Reta's relationship to the media?

3. Is it an amicable or hostile relationship and why?

(see the answer keys)

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