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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 was the name of the theater Mazie worked at?

2. What occupation did Jane Barnell have?

3. What happened to the money people sent to Mitchell for the "cave dwellers"?

4. Why is Mitchell compelled by Jane?

5. What school did Joe attend?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Hugh Flood's thoughts about death.

2. What was the main rule at McSorley's and why?

3. What is "On the Wagon" about?

4. What does Mitchell think about "Santa Clause Smith"?

5. What significance does Mr. Cusack place on the full moon?

6. Who is Mr. Hunter?

7. Who is Mazie Gordon?

8. Who is Joe Gould?

9. After Peggy talks to the little girl, why does she ask the bartender to walk her home?

10. How does Mitchell describe McSorley's?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Jane, Lady Olga the bearded lady, has an interesting outlook on life. Describe this point of view. Has Jane given up on life? Has she given up on changing her fate? Is she happy?

Essay Topic 2

In many of Mitchell's stories, characters are torn between heritage and life. Describe at least three examples of ways in which Mitchell develops this theme in more than one story in the collection. Also, explain what Mitchell's intent is in sharing stories with this particular theme.

Essay Topic 3

Many of Mitchell's stories involve the ocean or harvesting for seafood. To what extent is the ocean a symbol in Mitchell's stories? What does the ocean symbolize? Is it just a coincidence?

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