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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. Who helps Rachel with her bags while waiting at the airport in Chapter 7?

2. What does Betty say that Jonathan organized for his wife that she never showed up for?

3. Who uses four thousand dollars of Arthur and Julie's money to purchase cocaine?

4. What happens to Sam on the flight home to Washington?

5. What does the nurse tell Rachel and Mark when she called their Virginia home?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the Siegels' reaction when Rachel calls them to tell them about Mark and Thelma's affair?

2. Describe Rachel's labor.

3. Why is Rachel so upset about the new blazer Mark bought?

4. What is the relationship like between the Feldmans and the Siegels?

5. What does Rachel learn about Thelma's birthday?

6. What is Jonathan doing outside his house when Rachel arrives?

7. What does Rachel write about in her article "Potatoes and Love"?

8. Why does Betty want to give a dance for Thelma?

9. Describe Richard's proposal to Rachel.

10. What does Julie tell Rachel about Mark's promise not to see Thelma anymore?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How is humor used in this novel in an effective way? Does Rachel like to use humor to deal with serious, distressing experiences? How so? Provide specific textual examples to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

Why does Rachel remain silent after she is released from the hospital? How does this silence make her feel? When she finally breaks her silence at Betty's house, what extreme action does she take? Why?

Essay Topic 3

What role does food play in this novel? How is it important to Rachel's life and marriage? Why does Rachel provide recipes as she tells the story of her marriage breaking up? Do the recipes add to the story? Explain why or why not.

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