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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. As Joan is writing her novel while in Terremoto, what character is she getting tired of because of their virtuous and tidy habits?

2. Who enters her flat while Joan is taking a bath?

3. Who is arrested for murder?

4. What secret does Joan reveal about her source of inspiration?

5. What kind of art does Joan find at the art show?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Joan having trouble writing about her character Charlotte and the ending of her novel?

2. What does the reappearance of The Fat Lady in Chapter 27 suggest about how Joan perceives herself?

3. How is the final chapter a resolution to Joan's lies and secrets?

4. How has Joan accomplished a transformation at the end of the novel?

5. Who is Fraser Buchanan?

6. Why does Royal Porcupine believe his art exhibit is important?

7. How does Joan let go of her past?

8. Why does the presence of the strange man who talks with her landlord spur Joan to action?

9. Describe Joan's plan to fake her death.

10. How does Joan use her novel to explore her own life?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At the end of Lady Oracle, Joan says she will stop writing romance novels and instead write Science Fiction. Why do you think Joan wants to stop writing romances? Do you think writing romances contributes to Joan's dishonesty? Would she write a good Science Fiction tale? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Joan understands that she is an "escape artist" and that she is happiest when she is in danger. Discuss several instances in the novel when Joan is at her best when in danger. How does her personality change?

Essay Topic 3

Does the ending of the novel suggest that Joan has some hope of retiring her former double life and becoming a person who enters into relationships with honesty? What does Joan's interaction with the reporter in the hospital suggest about how Joan has changed or not?

(see the answer keys)

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