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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. Brian demands that Irene
(a) Stop talking to him.
(b) Stop telling dirty jokes.
(c) Write back to Clare.
(d) Not molly-coddle their son.

2. At the Redfields' private dinner table, Clare is
(a) Talkative.
(b) Quiet.
(c) Happy.
(d) Chirpy.

3. John Bellew enters Felise's apartment in a state of
(a) Panic.
(b) Rage.
(c) Resolve.
(d) Hilarity.

4. Irene knows that she and Brian and their children belong
(a) To Harlem.
(b) In New York.
(c) In Brazil.
(d) In Chicago.

5. The time spent without Clare in the picture
(a) Does not clear up Irene's suspicions.
(b) Is a great comfort to Irene.
(c) Solidifies her certainty of their affair.
(d) Brings Brian's affection back to Irene.

Short Answer Questions

1. This chapter finds Brian Redfield

2. Irene Redfield does not

3. Helga finds some satisfaction in

4. Why does Irene feel it unsafe for Clare to come back?

5. Whrn speaking with Hugh Wentworth at the dance, Irene

Short Essay Questions

1. Clare attends the Negro League dance with Brian and Irene. What does the dance symbolize in the story? Why is Irene careful to arrange a ride home for Clare?

2. Things have taken a turn for the worse at the Redfields'. What are the clues that the story is inching toward a conclusion as it pertains to the Redfields and Clare Kendry? What conclusions can we draw about this section of the story?

3. What is the author's intention when she puts the two women together in the hotel restaurant scene? What conclusions can we draw from Irene's memory of that day?

4. What is the burden that these characters carry with them throughout the story?

5. What is your initial assessment of Clare Kendry? Do we know enough about her in these first two chapters to draw any conclusions about her? If so, what would they be?

6. What is it that has kept Clare from leaving her husband and living permanently in Harlem?

7. During a period while Clare is gone, is there peace in the Redfield home? Why, or why not?

8. Hugh Wentworth, the white author, comes back into the story during the afternoon tea scene. What is Wentworth's role? Is he a true friend to Irene? To Clare?

9. What kind of parent is Clare Kendry? What are the clues, thus far, that help us to draw conclusions about her parenting abilities? How has Larsen informed us about this?

10. What, exactly, does Irene fervently wish John Bellew could know? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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