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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. How does Bateson feel about using a recipe when cooking?

2. What does Mary claim is the excuse given to young girls to keep them out of science?

3. At which college does Johnnetta teach?

4. Which popular television program filmed at Spelman College weeks before Johnnetta earned her post?

5. In which country did Alice grow up?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was Erik's theory of the life cycle while he was studying under Freud in the West Coast?

2. How did travel affect Mary Bateson's relationship with her husband, Barkev?

3. What struggles did Mary encounter when interviewing her four friends for this book?

4. In what ways does Bateson use riddles to express the way individuals identify their personal convictions and ideals?

5. According to Bateson, how is life like jazz music?

6. How does Mary use the metaphor of a "crazy quilt" to explain society?

7. What does it mean for one to compose their life as an "emergent vision"?

8. According to Bateson, what do humans tend to believe about society?

9. What is the traditional male-female relationship, and how did this begin to change in the 1960s?

10. What type of family did Mary Catherine Bateson grow up in?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Homelessness is a huge theme in the book, both literally and metaphorically. First, describe the state of homelessness in Boston at the time of the book's creation. What did Mary learn about herself and her society as care givers based on her research into homelessness? Then, explain how the theme of homelessness is used as a metaphor in the book to discuss a woman's role, both in her family and her community. Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

When discussing ugliness and pain, Mary often uses the metaphor of art to make her point about "composing a life". First, discuss Mary's analogy of art and masterpieces, particularly in relation to ugliness. Then, explain at least two characteristics one must have in order to be considered an "artist" in their own lives. Finally, explain whether or not you agree with Mary's advice to the "artists" in the world, and why. Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the book, Bateson gives many different examples of ways that individuals care for themselves and those around them. First, define the three different ways one can act as a caregiver, and give examples from the text to support your definitions. Then, choose one woman from the text and explain why you believe she is the best examples of a well-rounded caregiver. What are the benefits of being a good caregiver? What are the downfalls? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

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