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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. Why does John see everyone as dead?

2. Who was listening to the whole conversation?

3. What settles once Kate leaves?

4. What does Kate feel about the request?

5. Why does John flirt with Joyce?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is waiting for John when he arrives at Aunt Emily's house?

2. How does John feel about his family at the end of the book?

3. Why does John think everyone is dead?

4. What ruins the trip?

5. What does the reader learn about Aunt Emily?

6. What does Aunt Emily ask of John?

7. How does the epilogue begin?

8. Who has died in John's family?

9. Why is Kate so angry with John?

10. Who does John decide to call after he is done speaking with his aunt on the phone?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1. Freedom is another central theme of the novel. Both John and Kate struggle to find their own independence in different ways. How are John and Kate's searches for independence similar?

2. Describe how John's assertion of manhood and determination to create a relationship with Kate, leads to Kate's oppression.

3. Is this John or Kate's fault?

Essay Topic 2

1. How is Aunt Emily's letter opener symbolic of the way she feels towards John?

2. Explain why Aunt Emily feels differently towards her nephew. What has he done to change her mind about him?

Essay Topic 3

Strict Southern guidelines prescribe that women and men act a certain way. Kate and John often find themselves searching for their place in a society that does not accept them. How have John and Kate made themselves outsides in New Orleans society?

1. Describe 2 different times each character alienates themselves.

2. Describe 2 times that New Orleans society outcasts Kate and John.

(see the answer keys)

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