View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Marie's vision of herself stops her from running away because:

2. An accurate description of Lulu's boys would be:

3. Nector compares himself to Ishmael from Moby Dick because:

4. In observing Lulu's close-knit sons, Beverly is reminded of the fact that:

5. Beverly rationalizes his tryst with Lulu after Henry's funeral as:

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the character of Sister Mary Martin de Porres.

2. What is Nector's opinion of Marie's family?

3. Why don't Marie's plans for Nector's success work out?

4. How does Marie make money to keep her family afloat?

5. The motif of forgiveness in "Flesh and Blood" comes through most clearly in what two events?

6. Explain the symbol of the red convertible.

7. In what way is Marie the "foundation" of Lipsha's life?

8. Describe Marie's relationship with her children, Zelda and Gordie, when they were infants versus now that they are grown.

9. Identify two examples of irony in the chapter.

10. When June holds her doorknob in the bathroom stall, the author states, "Her room was locked. And she was ready for him now." In what way does the locked room prepare June for Andy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Consider the roles of men and women in Erdrich's novel. In your essay, reflect on the traditional roles portrayed by the male and female characters, and the characters who defy tradition. Describe Erdrich's attitude toward the traditional roles of men and women, and use examples to support your point.

Essay Topic 2

Examine the role of boundaries in Love Medicine. Considering the physical and psychological boundaries many characters face, choose three pivotal examples in the novel, and identify a possible statement the author makes through the examples.

Essay Topic 3

The novel's title, Love Medicine, is also the title of one of the chapters within. Consider Erdrich's reasons for choosing the chapter title to represent the whole novel. In your essay, defend or reject Erdrich's choice for the novel using evidence from the text to support your argument.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 911 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample