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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. Who is Mr. Andrucetti?

2. How old is Claire Webster as the novel begins?

3. What dish does Claire prepare for the family dinner?

4. How does Claire feel about James at this point?

5. With what has Adam come home to help Helen?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is The Great Terror?

2. What news does James deliver to Claire in her hospital room?

3. What does Claire's mother think about Claire's attraction to Adam?

4. What realities does Claire realize that she must face now?

5. What is the significance of the novel's title, WATERMELON?

6. Why does Claire turn to alcohol during this time in her life?

7. Describe Claire's feelings of humiliation and jealousy.

8. How does the author show that Claire is conflicted about whether or not she should spend time with Adam?

9. What is an important theme in the first section of the book?

10. What date is important to the protagonist of the story and why is it important?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses more than one instance of irony in the book. Cite at least two other examples you can identify in the play and note why they are examples of irony.

Essay Topic 2

Does Keyes end the story on a note of hope for Claire or the continuance of her struggle to come to terms with her flawed relationship with James? Give your perspective and two reasons to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the ongoing conflict between Claire and James. What are the main sources of the conflicts? Why does it perpetuate? What does Claire learn about the reality of her life with James as opposed to the perceptions she has held for so long?

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