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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. What is Avey doing at the beginning of Chapter 1?

2. What type of dances follow the Beg Pardon?

3. From which of the following could Avey's illness come?

4. What type of boat is the Emmanuel C?

5. What does each person say to his ancestors during the Beg Pardon?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Avey mean when she says that her life is a tabula rasa?

2. Describe how Avey's massage becomes almost like a sacred ritual in renewing her in body and spirit.

3. In what ways is Avey's meltdown at the hotel a clearing of the path for her spiritually?

4. How does the present day Avey mirror what the little girl Avey was experiencing in the dream?

5. What was occurring during all those years that Avey was living in denial about her true self?

6. Describe Avey's behavior on the beach.

7. Avey now longs for her husband "Jay" who "died" when Jerome came to the forefront and made them an affluent family. To what holiday situation does Avey compare this longing?

8. What is revealed about the women on the boat by the way they care for Avey?

9. What happens to Avey when she finally lets her true nature come to the forefront as she stands on the hotel room balcony?

10. Describe Avey's experience at the Beg Pardon.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Renewal takes on an almost human persona in this story. What is this literary technique called? Cite examples that support this position.

Essay Topic 2

The role of women is a main topic addressed in this story. Explain the theme that extends through all the female characters. What is the presumed role of women in America during the 1960s and 1970s? Explain by giving examples.

Essay Topic 3

Project into the future ten years and write a brief synopsis for Avey's life. Be sure to include emotional states as well as physical characteristics, geographic locations, work, hobbies, socialization, etc.

(see the answer keys)

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