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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. Under which president does Eugene become managing director of the War Finance Corporation?

2. What reveals a frightening frenzy in Phil and almost forces them to call off the wedding?

3. The _______________ raises a furor over Kay working without pay at the Mount Vernon Argus.

4. How many pages has the purchased publication shrunk to when Eugene buys it?

5. What does Eugene know he can count on Agnes to provide for him during their marriage?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do the Grahams do as they must cooperate on labor relations at their papers?

2. What does Agnes consider to be a part of the contract of marriage in terms of duties?

3. Why does Kay not agree with Phil's choice to back Bradlee's crusade to desegregate swimming pools in Washington?

4. What do Mother and Phil lock heads over during the years at Glen Welby, where life seems right?

5. What kind of man is John Sweeterman, who is brought in as a Post business manager?

6. What is the offer that Kay accepts from the Washington Post as she continues to keep company with her father?

7. Mother takes more of an active role in politics, but what does she feel pride about doing at this point?

8. Why does Agnes go to Europe for two months after the birth of her daughter, Elizabeth?

9. Where does Kay's education begin as she is growing up as a part of the Meyer family?

10. Phil receives treatment from Dr. Farber during his time after the breakdown. What kind of psychology does Farber ascribe to?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The theme of sexism runs rampant in this book, with even Kay's father telling her that no man should be working for his wife when Kay's husband is given the position at the Post as opposed to her.

Part 1: Why do you think Kay's father thought that Phil was up to the task for the job?

Part 2: Do you think Kay would have made a better editor than Phil did? Why or why not?

Part 3: Why do you think that men though women were less able to handle the stresses of the newspaper world?

Essay Topic 2

One of the things that is so stunning about Kay's background is that she didn't have much parental support when she was growing up. Though she did have both parents, they were frequently away or unavailable.

Part 1: Why do you think Kay's parents were not aware that their children needed more attention?

Part 2: How might Kay's life have changed had she had more parental interaction and support?

Part 3: Do you think Kay's parents were good parents or not? Why?

Essay Topic 3

Once Phil commits suicide, Kay's life seems to change drastically. Not only is she a widow, but she is also placed into a position of power.

Part 1: Do you think that Phil's suicide may have been one of the best things to happen to Kay? Why or why not?

Part 2: Had Phil continued on, what might have happened to their marriage and to Kay?

Part 3: Why do you think that Kay instantly dove into the role of the leader of the Post?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 750 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample