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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 she worry about?

2. Why does Marya want to stay where she is?

3. When Marya is six, what does she do with her life plan?

4. What does Marya think of her life in D.C.?

5. What does aftermath mean?

Short Essay Questions

1. When does Marya's brother finally realize how thin Marya is?

2. What does the antibiotic do to Marya's system?

3. What does Marya wish that her husband would notice?

4. How does Marya attempt to trick the doctors, her parents, and her friends into thinking she is healthy?

5. What does Marya realize about her desire to lose weight?

6. What gives Marya the ability to carry on with her life and fight everyday?

7. How does this person not oblige Marya's whims?

8. What does Duane's hug provide for Marya?

9. In Interlude-November 5, 1996, what does Marya describe?

10. How does Marya's experience at Lowe House differ from Methodist Hospital?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The book ends with the question as to whether Marya will survive her recovery. Describe the end of the book. Do you think that Marya's conclusion was effective? Explain why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

As the novel reaches its climax, Marya's weight plummets. How does the author use this information to build suspense and propel her plot along? What literary techniques does the author employ? Do you think he is successful?

Essay Topic 3

Through the interludes, Marya is able to reflect back on her old life and old ways. Are the interludes effective?

If so, why or why not? What is the tone of the reflection? Is it different than the rest of the autobiographies?

(see the answer keys)

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