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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 the subject of the watercolor paintings hanging in Ruth's apartment?

2. How is Jess treated at the doctor's office where she has her breast reduction surgery?

3. What does Jess buy Ruth for Christmas?

4. Which of the following does Jess NOT do in her second New York City apartment?

5. What surgery can Jess now afford?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the dilemma Jess faces regarding identification?

2. What is the irony of Jess moving next door to Ruth?

3. What happens to Jess when she decides to stop taking the male hormones?

4. What is the significance of the apartment fire to Jess?

5. Why does Ruth have trepidation about returning to Buffalo with Jess?

6. Describe the conditions of factories in the 1970s, which is ten years after Jess has been working in them.

7. Why does Edna say that Jess is a "granite" butch?

8. How does Jess show prejudice when she learns that Frankie took a butch lover?

9. What does Ruth inadvertently do to harm Jess' job just as Duffy did years ago and how does Jess respond this time?

10. Explain the symbolism of Jess' jaw being wired shut after the attack in the subway.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The novel takes place in the late 1960s as America is experiencing free love, war protests and radical shifts in music. Research this period in America and create a multimedia presentation of the clothes, food, music, and people during this time.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the taboo of homosexuality in the 1960s. Compare and contrast homosexuality in America during the 1960s to homosexuality in America today. What major changes have occurred both positive and negative?

Essay Topic 3

The story takes place as America is experiencing the Hippie Generation, the Vietnam War, Woodstock, and drug usage in the late 1960s. Explain the significance of these political and cultural events on Jess and the other bi-gendered people in her life. How would Jess' life be different if she were living as a young woman today? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,028 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample