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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 Georgia decide she would do if she had her life to live over?

2. Who is Matilda?

3. Which of the following does Averill NOT do on deck each night?

4. Who is the friend who Anita visits in her hometown?

5. Which of the following did Margot NOT do when she heard that Reuel was cheating on her?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Miles and what is his relationship with Georgia?

2. Give some examples of how the author uses the theme of escape in this story.

3. Why are the circumstances of Austin's death unclear and what speculation could occur about it?

4. What does an older and divorced Joan learn about Matilda when she returns home to tend to her mother's grave?

5. Who is Matilda and what are the circumstances in which her mother is cruel to Morris?

6. Why would Austin have had good reasons--in his mind--to have committed suicide?

7. Who is Jeanine and what is her purpose for being on the ship?

8. What did Anita learn about Margot when her mother visited her in the hospital after her appendix surgery?

9. What was the source of the falling out between Georgia and Maya, causing them to never speak again?

10. What was Joan Fordyce's childhood like as explained in the first part of the story?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses several instances of foreshadowing in the stories. Explain what foreshadowing is, and cite at least two examples making sure to explain what makes each an instance of foreshadowing.

Essay Topic 2

What is the significance of the book's title? What are some other possible titles for the book. List at least five and cite your reasons for each.

Essay Topic 3

Loss seems to be almost an unnamed character in the book. How pervasive is the sense of loss? Why does it have such a prevalent place in the characters' lives? Explain how an inanimate object or characteristic can be a character.

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This section contains 1,347 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample