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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. Why does Arthur Springer call Reta the day after Christmas?
2. Why does Arthur state that he thinks of the final chapter as the "kiln?"
3. Why does Lois knock on the door to investigate when Arthur is in the house by himself?
4. After Reta discovers Norah's wrists, what does Tom leave for Norah when he sees her in Toronto?
5. What does Reta remember about Tom's childhood as they walk in the cemetery?
Short Essay Questions
1. What issue does Reta take with Emily Helt's book review in the Chicago Tribune?
2. Why does Reta sign her letter to Dennis Ford-Halpern, "Yours, Rita Orange d'Ville"?
3. As Reta and Arthur have their heated discussion, what three things happen that interrupt them that provide comic relief to the serious conversation?
4. What does Reta notice on Norah's wrists that cause Tom to forget his trilobites and research stress and trauma?
5. What is Reta's impression of Arthur Springer when she finally meets him at her home in January and how do they get into a heated discussion?
6. What does Reta and Tom's walk in Orangetown cemetery represent?
7. What is Lois's true opinion of what happened to Norah that she is afraid to express?
8. What is Reta's central point in her letter to Helt?
9. When Tom calls to inform Reta that Norah is in the hospital, how does the point of view change in the novel?
10. How does the staff's response at the hostel regarding Norah's gloves indicate her invisibility as a street person?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
Another major theme in the novel is the issue of homelessness and its consequences for the people affected by it.
1. Identify some preconceptions about homelessness that are disproved by the characters' actions.
2. What is Shields' overall message about people who are homeless?
Essay Topic 2
How does Shields portray heroines in the novel? Respond to the following:
1. What characters can be regarded as tragic heroines?
2. Discuss Reta's ideas about heroines and heroism.
3. How are the heroines in the novel in opposition to society?
Essay Topic 3
Discuss the role of conflict in "Unless." Discuss Reta's conflict with society. Discuss Norah's conflict with society.
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This section contains 866 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) |
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