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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. Who is Vivian's oldest child?

2. What does Vivian do for a living?

3. What does Vivian serve for dinner to the Preacher, Horace, and others in Part I?

4. Who is Vivian's husband?

5. What do The Salvations do at the after-parties?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Mr. Franklin say he wants in the act from the Jones sisters?

2. Who sings during Vivian's meeting with Mr. Franklin and what does Mr. Franklin say about this singer?

3. What does Ruth realize in Part I that will change her future forever?

4. What does Vivian worry Ruth will regret?

5. Who do Vivian's girls tease Vivian about, and why?

6. What is Esther known for in her own family?

7. What dream has Vivian had for many years for her daughters?

8. What is the name of the girls' singing group and what does the name signify?

9. What is the significance of the rooftop?

10. What do Ruth and Gerry tell VIvian when she tells them Mr. Franklin want to manage The Salvations?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay exploring how each of the three main characters Ruth, Esther, and Chloe assert more autonomy over their own fates as the novel progresses.

Essay Topic 2

How do different characters express love, care, and a respect for tradition through cooking and sharing food? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 3

Why do you think Sexton chose to structure the novel in alternating chapters focusing on four main characters, but kept the same third-person perspective throughout? Write an essay explaining your answers.

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