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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. Which of the following is not one of the activities Ellen describes having with her mother?

2. Where does George ask Ellen to meet him for lunch?

3. How long does Ellen plan to remain at home during her visit?

4. What is the store Ellen says her mother loves most?

5. What day do Brian and Jeff return home for Thanksgiving?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Kate's reaction when she first sees the wheelchair?

2. What is the difference between the bedtime songs sang by Ellen's mother and those of her father, and what is their effect on Ellen?

3. What are Ellen's thoughts when she goes into her mother's room and sees that she's so emaciated.

4. What is the new arrangement Dr. Cohn says she's going to make for Kate and what is Ellen's reaction?

5. What is Ellen's response when Dr. Cohn suggests that it's time to consider hospice or a hospital?

6. What does Teresa say about Kate's bathing?

7. Describe Kate's role in the early days of her marriage to George.

8. Briefly describe the conversation that occurs as Kate and her guests try to decide on a color scheme for decorating the Christmas trees?

9. What is Ellen's reaction to Jonathan's news when he calls her?

10. What are some of the noises Ellen hears while she's in jail?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe Ellen's relationship with her mother, her father and her siblings. Who among these is she closer to? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Describe the activities Ellen and Kate share during the months Ellen remains at home with Kate. Which of these are most important to Kate? Which are most important to Ellen? Why? What is the effect of these on their relationship?

Essay Topic 3

Ellen is scornful of her father's lack of compassion for Kate, but he says that she should remember that he is taking "the night shift." What does he mean? Should George have done more for Kate? Is Ellen underestimating the role he's playing? Support your answers with examples from the story.

(see the answer keys)

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