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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. Where does Esther sometimes sleep besides home?

2. What news does Ruth keep from her mother for a while?

3. What news does Vivian hear for the first time about Fillmore from the officer?

4. Why is Esther happy Ruth might be out of the group soon?

5. What do people call Esther at work?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Vivian very excited about meeting in Part I and why?

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

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

4. Why did Vivian originally move from Louisiana to California?

5. What is the significance of the rooftop?

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

7. What blow does Vivian suffer as a fairly young adult?

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

9. Why does Chloe worry about her friend Tony?

10. What does Vivian worry Ruth will regret?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why is it so important to Vivian that her daughters become singing stars? What does she feel she has sacrificed in service of this dream? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 2

How does Sexton develop the topic of ongoing grief through Vivian's and the Preacher's characters? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay analyzing Sexton's tone and style throughout this novel.

(see the answer keys)

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