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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Katrina would like Helga to
(a) Stay with her forever.
(b) Be attracted to Axel Olsen.
(c) Be less flambouyant.
(d) Make more friends.

2. Dr. Anderson would hope that Helga would, instead, prefer to
(a) Stay on and try to fix the problems at the school.
(b) Stay on in Naxos and date him.
(c) Marry James Vayle and have children.
(d) Take another position on the faculty.

3. In her discomfort about not fitting in, Helga realizes
(a) She loves to travel.
(b) She does not want to fit in.
(c) Her feelings are hurt.
(d) She is better than these people.

4. For her departure from Denmark, Helga now blames
(a) Herself.
(b) Axel Olsen.
(c) Herr Poul.
(d) Katrina.

5. When it comes to Dr. Anderson, Helga has now developed a vague sense of
(a) Superiority.
(b) Indifference.
(c) Hatred.
(d) Disrespect.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why might Helga have felt alienated in the "Negro" school as a child?

2. Olsen thinks Helga's surprise at his proposal is

3. What emotion does Dr. Anderson's presence stir up in Helga?

4. Anne secretly knows that Dr. Anderson might

5. It occurs to Helga that perhaps her new uncle

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Helga return to Harlem? Discuss her newfound spiritual ties to the black population here. Is it the same connection she felt before? Why, or why not?

2. Why would Helga become alienated in a school for Negro children? What makes her different from other faculty.

3. To what do you suppose Helga is attracted in Dr. Anderson? (Hint: Up until now, the author repeatedly mentions a certain aspect of him.)

4. How does Larsen tell us that Helga is irreparably damaged from her childhood? Helga does not complain much - how do we know that she carries old wounds?

5. What is the YWCA and why is Helga there? Is this a safe haven for her? Does it meet her high living standards?

6. What is the point of Larsen's description of Helga's response to the music at the club? What does the jungle animal description prove? Is this a racist passage?

7. What is it about African Americans that Helga hates? Is this opinion of hers new, or has she felt this way for some time? What causes her to draw this conclusion?

8. How has the gift of Uncle Peter's money affected Helga? Was this a kind gesture on his part? Why or why not?

9. Is it clear whether Helga is liked by her peers or colleagues? If so, is it genuine? Is Helga a likable person?

10. Why does Anne begin avoiding Helga? Has something come between them? What is it?

(see the answer keys)

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