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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 does Freda reject after she returns to work?

2. What does Mrs. Haddon try to do to Brenda?

3. Which of the following is NOT one of Vittorio's reactions to Freda?

4. When is Brenda worried about Freda?

5. How does Vittorio react to Freda when he is in Rossi's office?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Freda's low mood and how a note from Vittorio turns her around.

2. Describe Brenda.

3. What has Freda discussed with Rossi regarding Brenda?

4. What embarrassing habit does Brenda have that annoys Freda?

5. Whose arrival causes a huge commotion and angst for Brenda?

6. How has the gunshot incident affected Freda's outlook and mood?

7. Who is Maria and what is her attachment to Freda?

8. What is Freda's demeanor following the gunshot incident at the apartment?

9. Who is Rossi and how does he behave toward Brenda?

10. With whom is Vittorio in love?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the role of the poor workers in the mid-1970s when the men in the story are living their adult lives. What precedents do they feel compelled to follow? What restrictions do they have? What freedoms did they enjoy that 21st century men do not?

Essay Topic 2

Create a brief character study of Freda. What does she look like? What are her positive personality traits? What are some of her negative characteristics? What are her hopes and fears? What motivates her--if anything--at this point in her life?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the overall setting for the story. Why does Bainbridge use the settings she does? What is the time period of the story? How important is the time period to the attitudes and issues of the characters?

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This section contains 925 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample