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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. According to Marvel's neighbor, what kind of girls have an advantage in the world?

2. What type of flower mentioned in the book blooms in the summer?

3. What does Olivia bring back from her Christmas trip for Astrid?

4. What is Ed and Marvel's neighbor often reading?

5. Where does Ingrid work?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the foster home run by Ed and Marvel.

2. When Astrid lives with Ed and Marvel, for what reason does Ingrid say that she disowns Astrid?

3. Why is Ingrid so upset that Barry has broken up with her?

4. How do Astrid and Ingrid interact with one another in the beginning of the novel? Why?

5. Why did Olivia get into prostitution?

6. Describe the power of books in Astrid's life.

7. Why does Astrid avoid talking about Claire in the letters she writes to Ingrid?

8. Describe the relationship between Claire and Astrid.

9. Why does Claire see Ingrid as an inspiration, despite Astrid's warnings?

10. How does Ingrid hurt Astrid when Astrid comes to visit her for the first time in eight months?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What similarities can be seen in both Ingrid and Astrid? What are the main differences between these characters? What about their circumstances?

Essay Topic 2

Ingrid often tells Astrid to embrace her loneliness. Does Astrid take this advice? If so, how? Does Ingrid truly embrace loneliness or is this a cover to hide her true emotions?

Essay Topic 3

Helplessness is a theme in the novel. Which characters are helpless, other than Astrid? In what ways is Astrid helpless?

(see the answer keys)

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