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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 good news does Joan tell Arthur after meeting with Mr. Sturgess?

2. How does Arthur rescue Joan in front of the mirror?

3. How does Joan learn of her mother's death?

4. Who does Joan think of as she stands on the street outside the secondhand store in Rome?

5. Where does Joan decide to move?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Joan's mother try to control Joan's weight?

2. What is the significance of Joan seeing her mother's astral body?

3. What are the implications of Joan sending Arthur a postcard from Rome?

4. How is Joan's relationship with Arthur based on lies?

5. What are some similarities between Joan and her character Charlotte?

6. Why does Joan want to start a new life?

7. Why is Joan's childhood ballet recital such a traumatic experience for her?

8. Describe Joan's personality while in high school.

9. Explain why Joan does not tell her husband Arthur that she writes Costume Gothic novels.

10. Describe Joan's search for a fresh approach to her writing.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why can't Joan confront Marlene about their past encounters? Why does she hide in the ladies' room? Are there other examples in the novel where Joan responds in a similar manner? What does this suggest about Joan's character?

Essay Topic 2

Provide several examples of how humor is used in surprising ways to develop the plot of Lady Oracle. Is this an effective writing technique?

Essay Topic 3

What is the significance of the title Lady Oracle? Provide examples from the text that show how the idea of an oracle is presented and its relevance to Joan and her journey of self-acceptance.

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