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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 doesn't the woman bring any arbutus back to Mr. Oliphant?

2. What did Lily's father leave her when he died?

3. How many sons does Hugh have?

4. What does Mrs. Otis see a group of children playing with?

5. What is the name of Rhoda's maid?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the relationship between Sue and Ramona.

2. Why is Rose interested in Lucius?

3. Why does Isobel stay at the poor house?

4. In what ways is Mr. Oliphant strong?

5. How can the reader understand Pansy's pain and suffering?

6. What is Rose's opinion of northerners in comparison to her opinion of Mexicans?

7. How does the woman with Mr. Oliphant feel about him?

8. Describe Malcolm and Victoria's ideals.

9. Compare Laura and Ada to Jessie.

10. What is Evan interested in at the party he attends?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does Jean Stafford use nationality as a border?

Essay Topic 2

What role do women play in Stafford's stories? Choose at least four different women to include in your response.

Essay Topic 3

How does Stafford use names to embody the character's mannerisms, emotional state, or actions?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 550 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample