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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 is significant about Daddy's hair in the photograph the narrator describes in the prologue?

2. What is the name of Mercedes' best friend?

3. Who takes the blame for moving the rocks around Ambrose's grave?

4. What shocking news does the theater owner make moments after Kathleen's performance?

5. When her father is gone, how does Kathleen treat her younger sisters?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does James react when Kathleen sneaks up behind him and strikes a chord while his is tuning a piano?

2. What is the Mahmoud family's reaction to Kathleen's death?

3. Where does James get the money to start his new business upon returning home?

4. What is significant about Daddy's position in the armchair in the photograph of him described in the novel's prologue?

5. What terrible decision is Materia forced into when she helps her daughter Kathleen give birth to twins?

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

7. What is James's reaction to the news that his wife Materia is dead?

8. How does Mumma die?

9. What is the result of Kathleen's photo shoot in the days after her first singing recital?

10. Why does Materia feel guilty about her expectations for James's future in the army?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout her life, Kathleen has nightmares about Pete the scarecrow. Describe at least two nightmares Kathleen has, and her reaction to these dreams. What do you think Pete symbolized in Kathleen's life? Describe the final nightmare Kathleen had about Pete, in the moments before she died. What is symbolic about this vision? In the moment of her death, do you think Kathleen finally understood what Pete the scarecrow meant? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

In school, Kathleen is clearly ostracized by her peers. First, describe the type of student Kathleen was in school. What were her strengths? What were her weaknesses? Then, describe, with specific examples, the way Kathleen was treated in school. Why do you think she was treated this way? Do you think she deserved this type of treatment? Why or why not? Finally, who, if anyone, is to blame for Kathleen's maltreatment in school? Kathleen herself? The students? Or someone else? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

The idea of demons and devils is ever present in the novel. First, describe James's demon. Where did the demon come from? What does it tempt him to do? How does James try to overcome his demon's power? Then, compare / contrast James's demon to Frances's devil. Where does Frances believe her devil came from? What does it tempt her to do? What do you think the presence of demons and devils symbolizes in the Piper family history? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

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