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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. In what time period does STONE BUTCH BLUES take place?

2. At the football field, Jess is verbally assaulted with anti-Semitic and ____________ taunts.

3. How does Theresa feel about Jess' taking male hormones?

4. Who is the chief shop steward who makes promises to Jess?

5. Jess finds that she is hated mostly for her ________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the author's position on labor unions as evidenced in the book?

2. Why are the bars not safe havens for the homosexuals and cross-dressers?

3. What is Tifka's and why does Jess find it a haven?

4. Why does Jess ultimately run away from home?

5. When does Jess first learn that there are other people like her and that she may be able to find them?

6. What are the circumstances in which Jess loses her butch virginity?

7. How does the author insert some levity into the story?

8. Explain why Jess has a typical gay childhood?

9. What happens to Jess on her first night on her own?

10. What is the significance of Jess being called a "stone" butch?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Alcohol abuse seems to be an unnamed character in the book. How pervasive is the abuse? Why does it have such a prevalent place in the characters' lives? How does it affect the abusers? How does it affect those impacted by the abusers? Explain how an inanimate object or characteristic can be a character.

Essay Topic 2

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of the search for love. Identify at least two themes about love in the book. Then cite an example to support each theme you name.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the symbolism of Jess' motorcycles. What does a motorcycle signify in the butch-femme world? What role does it play in the story?

(see the answer keys)

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