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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 was the name of the doctor who examined Joan after Derek raped her?

2. In Chapter 4, how old is August?

3. According to tradition, what do women usually wear to the Marine Corps Ball?

4. In Chapter 5, what rank does Jax make?

5. Which wall of the kitchen in Chapter 7 is built from brick?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did August quit college and start styling hair?

2. Who is Derek, and what does Joan remember about him?

3. What is August's shop like?

4. How does Joan compare herself and Mya to her mother in Chapter 10?

5. Why is Jax upset when Miriam wears red shoes in Chpater 5?

6. How do Miriam and Jax meet?

7. In Chapter 10, what does Miss Dawn tell Joan to do, and what is the result?

8. Why is Miriam in Memphis in Chapter 8, and where is Jax?

9. What did Miriam do before she left North Carolina in Chapter 2?

10. Who is Jax and where is he from?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

August is Derek’s mother. What type of relationship do August and Derek have? Why has August had to rearrange her life around her son? Why does August feel that she has failed her son?

Essay Topic 2

In Memphis: A Novel, some characters are more thoroughly described than others. Who are some characters that are merely named in passing or have a minor role in the novel? What is the importance of these flat characters to the story line? In what way do these characters make the main characters more colorful or interesting? When there is conflict, what type of role do these flat characters play?

Essay Topic 3

Miriam still attends Mass as her mother did. How is Miriam and August’s faith in God different? Why is Miriam still a believer, and August is not?

(see the answer keys)

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