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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. Where is Lily supposed to be on the day Frances drags her into the cave?

2. Which flag does Lily carry when she marches in the Armistice Day Parade?

3. What type of music did Kathleen and Rose listen to?

4. In the first few weeks of working for her Uncle Jameel, what is Frances NOT expected to do?

5. What does Frances name her son?

Short Essay Questions

1. What story does Frances tell Lily that causes her to pass out in a cave?

2. What happens to Francess' baby shortly after its birth?

3. Who is Jeanne?

4. How does Boutros die?

5. How does Frances spy on Leo Taylor?

6. How does Frances feel about school?

7. Why is Teresa Taylor fired from her job?

8. What truth does Frances finally reveal to Lily before she leaves for Mabou to give birth?

9. What happens to Mercedes after her high school graduation?

10. What job does Frances get after running away from home?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout Lily's upbringing, she hears lies regarding where she came from and why she is alive, particularly from her older sister Frances. First, describe the web of lies Frances and the rest of the family constructed regarding Lily's heritage. When does Lily begin to realize these stories are fabrications? What is her reaction to this unraveling of truth? Why do you think the Piper family felt it necessary to lie to Lily about her past? Were they trying to protect her, or did they have other, darker motivations in the lies? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen their arguments.

Essay Topic 2

There are many scenes throughout the novel in which characters bathe each other. Choose at least two of these scenes and describe them here. What symbolism might be found in these scenes of bathing? Does the bathing seem appropriate or inappropriate given the familial relationships? Why? In what ways do the scenes of bathing parallel the family's obsession with religion? Do you think this bathing helps or harms the family? Why? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Language is large theme in this novel. First, describe Materia's relationship to her mother tongue and the ways she passed this on to her daughters. Then, compare / contrast Kathleen's relationship with her mother tongue to the relationship the rest of the Piper girls have with the language. How does this difference in language represent the maternal difference Materia felt for her various daughters? Finally, describe how the Piper girls kept Materia's mother tongue alive after her death, and what symbolism this language had on their daily lives after her passing. Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

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