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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 the author use these literary elements?

2. Why does Mattie move into Brewster Place?

3. How old is Basil as the chapter ends?

4. What does Mattie's father do to her to coerce her to name the baby's father?

5. What does Butch invite Mattie to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Mattie's character just like her father as she grows up?

2. Describe the metaphor that the author uses to describe Butch.

3. How does Cora Lee differ in her view of the necessity of having a man?

4. What is Mattie's father's role in her life?

5. In what ways does Miss Eva help Mattie develop her character and maturity?

6. How does Theresa finally realize that she is part of the women of Brewster Place in spite of the differences people tried to create?

7. Explain how Mattie is the perfect example of making the best of what you have been given in life.

8. How has Mattie evolved to become the wise, loving matriarch of Brewster Place?

9. How does Mattie show more maturity even though she is younger than Etta?

10. How does the author use Ciel's life to show the theme of babies as hope for a new generation?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Even though Butch does not have noble intentions with Mattie, he is at least honest about it. Do you think this was appealing to Mattie? Is Butch very different from the other men in the story in this way? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

The author uses several instances of song lyrics throughout the book. Cite at least five, noting the titles, artists and the pertinent meaning for the story line.

Essay Topic 3

What is the significance of Mattie's dream? Does the author end the book on a hopeful note? Explain your opinion.

(see the answer keys)

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