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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 does James allow his wife to do, which he had previously forbidden, thinking it will benefit their child?

2. How long after receiving the mysterious note, does James arrive in Grand Central Station to bring Kathleen home?

3. What is the name of Materia's second born daughter?

4. In what year is Materia's first child born?

5. What is James's reaction to burying Ambrose?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Kathleen react when Teresa Taylor, the Mahmoud's maid, pays the Piper family a visit?

2. What wakes Mercedes up in the middle of the night on the evening before Materia's death?

3. What does Mercedes say one could use as rosary beads in case a proper rosary wasn't available?

4. What is the reaction of Materia's parents to her marriage?

5. What is the last thing Kathleen sees before she dies?

6. How does Kathleen treat her younger sisters when no one else is around?

7. How does Materia respond to her first pregnancy?

8. What did Mercedes think was happening when she watched the incident at the creek?

9. What is the response to Kathleen's first public singing recital?

10. What talent does Kathleen show as a baby, and what is James's reaction to this talent?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are three male babies born in the novel, and each of them dies shortly after birth. First, describe the three male babies and explain how each of them died. What symbolism can be found in the repeated death of the male babies? Do you think it is a coincidence that all the male babies died, or something darker? Did any of the babies die under suspicious circumstances? Finally, theorize how life in the Piper family might have been different if just one of the male babies had survived. Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Lily is often described as an eerie child with special powers in the spiritual world. First, describe Lily's relationship with her dead brother, Ambrose. In what ways does Ambrose come to Lily and "speak" to her. How do these conversations with Ambrose inform Lily's understanding of Piper family dynamics? Then, describe Mercedes' religious reaction to Lily's spirituality. What hopes and fears does she have for Lily's future? Finally, describe Lily's own reaction to her communing with spirits. What, if anything, does she wish she could change about herself? Why? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout his fatherhood, James has worked a variety of jobs to support his family. First, create a time line of James's employment throughout the novel. Which jobs did he most enjoy? Which did he least enjoy? What traits about each of the jobs make them similar? Then, explain how these jobs help to characterize James not only as a man but as a father? What symbolism can be found in James's line of work? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

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