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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 color ribbon is used to embellish the dingy curtains in the apartment?

2. What is Mudder often doing at home in Chapter 8?

3. In the opening scene of Chapter 1, what are the boys throwing at each other?

4. How old is the person who breaks up the street fight in Chapter 1?

5. What color does the book say Mudder's face turns when she is angry?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Jimmie's attitude toward Mudder when he finds her yelling in the tenement hallway?

2. Why do Jimmie and Blue Billie fight in Chapter 1?

3. What is the irony in the way Fader breaks up the fight between Jimmie and Blue Billie?

4. Why is Maggie suddenly dissatisfied with her clothes and her life?

5. What is the condition of the apartment when Maggie and Pete leave on Friday night? What is Mudder's condition?

6. How does Pete's reappearance in the story affect Maggie's view of her life and surroundings?

7. Why are the "philosophers" of Rum Alley puzzled by Maggie's development?

8. Does Jimmie seem more afraid of his mother or his father? Explain your answer.

9. What is Jimmie's reaction when Fader tries to steal the old woman's beer?

10. How is Jimmie's turn as "head of the family" similar to the reign of Fader?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the effectiveness of the book in each of the following areas:

A) Overall theme.

B) Characterization.

C) Plot.

D) Use of literary devices (symbolism, metaphor, etc.).

Essay Topic 2

Why does Pete's reappearance in Jimmie's life so dramatically impact Maggie's satisfaction with her own life? List and describe at least four areas of life that become increasingly unsatisfactory to Maggie as her relationship with Pete develops. What steps does Maggie take to improve these areas of her life? What does this say about her?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the book, Maggie is rejected by friends and strangers alike. Select three of the following characters and discuss in detail the ways and reasons they rejected Maggie:

A) Mudder.

B) Jimmie.

C) Pete.

D) The Rum Alley neighbors.

E) The stout, well-dressed gentleman in Chapter 16.

F) The tall young man with a cigarette in Chapter 17.

(see the answer keys)

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