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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 kind of lessons does Charity take?

2. What is the state of Larry and Sally's marriage?

3. What is the purpose of Larry and Sally's trip?

4. Who takes care of Charity's children most of the time?

5. What do Larry and Sid talk about?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain how one of the novel's themes of rescue is important in Part 1: Chapter 10.

2. Explain the flashback the author uses to describe the beginning of Sid and Charity's courtship.

3. How does Charity attempt to manage Sid's career?

4. Compare Sid and Larry's views on what constitutes good writing.

5. What is Charity's model of an ideal marriage and how will it affect her own marriage to Sid?

6. Why have Larry and Sally come to visit Sid and Charity?

7. What is the outcome of Sally's labor and delivery experience?

8. What housing do Larry and Sally find when they reach Wisconsin?

9. What is the impact of Larry's job loss on both couples?

10. Who is the dominant person in each of the two marriages?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Furthering the Adam and Eve metaphor, the author introduces the metaphor of a snake. What is the snake in the marriage of Charity and Sid? In the relationship between the two couples? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

The Adam and Eve metaphor continues when Sally gets ill. Why does Larry know that they are about to be "banished from paradise?" What is the outcome of Larry's premonition? Is he right or wrong? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Larry's job loss is an opportunity for Charity to work her connections to find him a job. Why is Larry open to Charity's help when her own husband rejects all her attempts to further his career? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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