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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 does Deighton see on his way to visit his mistress?

2. In Book 1, Chapter 3, what do Suggie and her date drink?

3. What happens when Deighton tries to apply for an accounting job?

4. What type of mood does Silla have on that Monday morning as Deighton is leaving to go to the bank to cash his check?

5. How does Silla react to Deighton's return following his trip to the bank to cash the check?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Suggie drink rum and act so promiscuous?

2. How are Silla and Miss Thompson alike?

3. How is the issue of racism introduced in Book 1?

4. Why do you think that Deighton is seeking out a mistress?

5. How does Deighton respond to the racism that he encounters while applying for accounting jobs?

6. How do Selina's daydreams about Barbados differ from her mother's memories?

7. In Book 1, why does Selina not want to wear the second-hand clothes that Silla has brought home?

8. In Book 1, Chapter 3, why does Selina worry about her mother?

9. Miss Thompson's roommate has three little girls, but it is Miss Thompson who cares for them. Why is that?

10. Why does Silla worry when Deighton does not return home with the money from the land sale?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

A character from Greek mythology, Atlas is compared to Selina because she feels like she is carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. What are the type of weights that Selina carries? What other characters carry big weights on their shoulders? Does that make them stronger? Meaner? More compassionate? Does Atlas ever get relief from his burden? Do Selina, Silla, or any of the other characters?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast the characters of Deighton and Clive, the two primary male characters in the novel. How are they alike in their influence over Selina? How do their characters differ? How does Selina differ in her interactions with each of them? What does she learn from them?

Essay Topic 3

Marriage was considered to be one of the few options for a young woman in the early 20th Century. Look at each moment in the novel when marriage is mentioned, or when a wedding takes place. Describe the connotations about marriage. What kind of viewpoints does Selina develop about marriage based on each of those situations?

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