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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 Ann call her grandmother?

2. What do Ann and Daniel do for school projects?

3. Where does Adele make Ann wash up before checking into the hotel?

4. When did Carol's older son start using drugs?

5. Who is the boy who walks Ann home after school?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain how Carol and Adele are dissatisfied with their lives and the men in their worlds.

2. How is Hal a disappointment to Carol and Jimmy?

3. How does the author show that Adele is self-centered and selfish?

4. Why is Adele jealous of Ann's burgeoning sexuality?

5. What do Adele and Ann do upon their arrival in Los Angeles?

6. What does California symbolize to Adele?

7. How does Jimmy help Hal turn his life around?

8. Describe Ann's relationship with her mother.

9. How does the author use foreshadowing regarding Ann's discomfort over sharing a bed with her mother?

10. How does Ann try to act like the adult in the relationship with her mother?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses several instances of foreshadowing in the story. Explain what foreshadowing is and cite at least two examples making sure to explain what makes each an instance of foreshadowing.

Essay Topic 2

What are the overall settings for the novel? Be sure to include geography, time period and any pertinent popular culture events. Why did Simpson choose to use these places in the novel?

Essay Topic 3

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of disappointment. Identify at least two characters who either embody or experience disappointment then cite an example to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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