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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. Where do the Lisbon girls spend the Day of Grieving?

2. Which of his daughters does Mr. Lisbon see eating M&Ms and feel as if she is a stranger?

3. What do Lux and Julie do instead of going to class?

4. Who fetches the Lisbons' mail?

5. How do the girls reach out to the boys?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do the Lisbon girls save, at least temporarily, their elm tree?

2. What is Mrs. Lisbon's reaction to Lux's disobedience?

3. What is Dr. Hornicker's opinion of Lux after meeting with her in the hospital?

4. Describe Mary Lisbon's favorite way to pass time during the imprisonment.

5. What was "The Day of Grieving" and how was it observed?

6. How do the boys spend the early part of the evening on June 15?

7. How did the Lisbons deal with their friends' and neighbors' offers of sympathy?

8. How did Lux's date end?

9. What happens on Trip Fontaine's vacation in Acapulco that changes his life significantly?

10. Describe three ways in which the Lisbon girls tried to contact the boys.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the major themes of The Virgin Suicides is grief. How do different characters in the novel deal with their grief? Are some ways more effective than others? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Communication--and the lack of it--plays a crucial role in the telling of this story. Please discuss ways in which the Lisbon girls communicate with the outside and with one another, as well as how a lack of communication affects the story.

Essay Topic 3

Please discuss the use and effectiveness of foreshadowing throughout the novel. How does Eugenides use it to set the tone? How does it affect the reader? Is it effective? Please explain your answer.

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