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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is malfunctioning in Elaine and Jon's apartment?

2. Where did Elaine see a beautiful and meaningful Virgin Mary statue?

3. How is Elaine described in the article about her in Entertainment?

4. What does Charna say that the attendees at the art retrospective feel about Elaine?

5. What type of church did Elaine like best, when she would go to different churches on impulse?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Emotional pain in the novel is often linked to physical pain. Discuss the relationship of physical and emotional pain in the novel.

1) Why does Elaine injure her fingers and feet? How is her physical pain linked to emotional pain?

2) Discuss Elaine's experience of physical and emotional pain in times of crisis, such as when she is trapped in the ravine and when she is left in the dark hole.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss criticism in the novel.

1) What does criticism of Elaine's art mean to her? How does she relate to the press and others that view and criticize her life and work as an artist?

2) What role does criticism play in Elaine's childhood relationship with Cordelia and her other friends? Where is the line between constructive criticism and abuse?

3) Why does Elaine become critical of others in high school? Why do Elaine and Cordelia spend their time criticizing others?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the significance of Elaine's art retrospective.

1) How does the art retrospective make Elaine look back on her life? How is her artwork related to the progression of her life?

2) How does Elaine feel about the art retrospective, and why does she feel this way? How does she feel about her paintings and about her career as an artist?

3) Why does Elaine want her pictures presented chronologically?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 338 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample