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

Short Answer Questions

1. As Cressida makes ready to marry Bouchalka, what does she do?

2. To whom were Cressida's jewels, furs and gowns to go?

3. Who does not sail back to the States with Cressida, having gone on ahead a week earlier?

4. Who of the men in Cressida's car awaiting word of survivors actually cries?

5. Where does the bulk of Cressida's fortune lie?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The narrator, Carrie, is also one of the executors of Cressida's will. She describes a series of letters which Cressida's family produces to argue that Poppas should not receive his 50,000 dollar bequest. Answer the following questions in a well-developed essay using detailed examples from the book and from your own life experience:

1. Describe the content of each letter mentioned.

2. If you were Carrie, what would you think of these letters?

3. Would you feel the letters justifies not awarding the bequest to Poppas?

4. Would you want others to see letters such as these that were about you and your relationship to a generous relative?

Essay Topic 2

Another aspect of art which Cather seems to explore is the idea of art for art's sake versus producing art as a means of earning a living. Choose one of the following topics and write a well-developed essay using detailed examples from the book and from your own life experience:

1. Should artists have to worry about earning a living or should they receive some sort of stipend out of public funding? Discuss your ideas fully.

2. Discuss the patronage system that has existed in the art world for centuries. Include a discussion of several famous artists who were only able to produce their art because a wealthy patron took care of their day-to-day necessities.

3. In the 21st century, many cultures subsidize artists so they can produce art without worrying about things such as food and shelter. If all artists had to make a living with their art, what sort of impact would this have on culture? Would the quality of art improve or decline? What about the quantity?

Essay Topic 3

In the opening of this story, Cressida is about to embark upon a fourth marriage. Choose one of the following topics and write a well-developed essay using detailed examples from the book and from your own life experience:

1. Discuss each of Cressida's marriages in terms of the characteristics of the man she marries, his strengths and weaknesses, why she marries each particular man, and why the marriage ends.

2. Often is seems more difficult for a man to be married to a famous woman than the other way around. Do you believe this is true? Why or why not? Be sure to use examples to support your stance.

3. Discuss why Cressida marries rather than just has lovers, consider especially the era in which the story is set.

4. Is marriage an important institution in the world of the 21st century? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 560 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample