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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. Why does Flannery not use paint brushes to paint?

2. How old was Flannery when she moved to her mother's birthplace in Milledgeville, Georgia?

3. How many letters are included in Part 3?

4. Flannery is excellently educated in regard to which of the following?

5. Who is one of Flannery's earliest contacts?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Flannery describe her driving test debacle to Maryat Lee?

2. In the same letter to Cecil Dawkins, how does Flannery distinguish between the beliefs of Southerners and Liberals?

3. The writings will show Flannery's growth in what areas of her life?

4. In addition to the Fitzgeralds, Flannery and William Sessions have another friend in common--how does this friend make Flannery feel?

5. What information about writing fundamentals does Flannery share in the first letters in this section?

6. What points are mentioned about loneliness in the writing lifestyle?

7. How can a photo of Flannery falling with a bottle of liquor in her hand be misconstrued?

8. What practical advice does Flannery give to Cecil about rejection slips and taking cough medicine?

9. What topics seem to run consistently through Flannery's letters?

10. Why does Flannery say that Catharine Carver's decision to leave Harcourt Brace impacts her life?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There is more than one instance of irony in the book. Cite at least two examples you can identify in the letters and note why they are examples of irony.

Essay Topic 2

Sadness takes on an almost human persona in these letters. Why did O'Connor's letters have a hint of sadness? What is this literary technique called? Cite examples that support this position.

Essay Topic 3

From what you can glean from Flannery's letters, create a brief character study of Flannery's mother. 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 in her daily life? What hopes does she have for her daughter?

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