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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. The dress Helga chooses to wear to Anne's homecoming party represents
(a) Her preference for the black race.
(b) Her need to be recognized as different.
(c) Her status as a socialite.
(d) Her impending flight.

2. Helga feels she does not fit in with this community because
(a) Her skin is fair.
(b) Her hair is blonde.
(c) She is a black activist.
(d) She is an aggressive woman.

3. The painter, Herr Olsen, finds Helga's looks to be
(a) Odd and almost frightening.
(b) Somewhat sleazy.
(c) Unusual and fearsome.
(d) Amazing and marvelous.

4. Anne secretly knows that Dr. Anderson might
(a) Cheat on her throughout their marriage.
(b) Lose his job and become dependent.
(c) Have a split personality.
(d) Lose his willpower when it comes to Helga.

5. What emotion does Dr. Anderson's presence stir up in Helga?
(a) Her grief.
(b) Her depression.
(c) Her superiority.
(d) Her anger.

Short Answer Questions

1. Helga projects a sense of

2. Helga tells Olsen that some day

3. Knowing she is without support, Helga's desperation turns to

4. When Dr. Anderson makes an assumption about her background, Helga

5. Helga is sure that James Vayle's family

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Do we know why Helga loses interest in her present lifestyle? How would you assess Helga if you were her friend or counselor?

3. 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?

4. What is Dr. Anderson's attitude toward the troubles of society? Is he an idealist, or is he a wise man? Use examples to answer.

5. Why does Helga decide to marry Reverend Green? Does her decision make any sense? Is she not concerned about the reactions of others?

6. What does Axel Olsen's portrait of Helga symbolize? Is the portrait important to the story? Why or why not?

7. Is Helga feeling regret as she leaves Naxos? Why or why not? Is this a good move for her career? Is sh being responsible?

8. 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?

9. What was it about Helga's past that was so unhappy? Is her unhappiness justified? Why, or why not?

10. Discuss Helga's "maladjustment" at Naxos. Is it about the school, or is it about Helga, or both?

(see the answer keys)

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