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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. For what reason do Ed and Anna agree not to tell Olivia of their divorce until after the vacation?

2. When Anna realizes she does not know how to talk to teenagers, she gives the reason that her oldest patients had been what age?

3. What happens to prevent John Miller from discovering his wife with another man?

4. When Anna absentmindedly draws on the shower door, what does she realize she has written over and over?

5. What nickname does Anna's husband Ed call her?

Short Essay Questions

1. What crucial piece of information regarding Anna's character is revealed in her comments about the Hitchcock film The Man Who Knew Too Much?

2. What connection does the author depict between Anna and alcohol?

3. What does Ed's comment regarding Anna's emergency line reserved for her patients reveal in regard to his feelings about her career?

4. What is ironic about Anna's advice to the members of the agoraphobia support forum that they should never mix their medications with alcohol?

5. What theme is depicted within Anna's interactions with Lizzie?

6. What is the main reason Anna cites for her failure to call and warn Mrs. Miller of her husband's imminent arrival?

7. How does the opening scene of the novel demonstrate the theme of voyeurism?

8. What is ironic about the fact that only a year before, Anna and Ed had planned to sell their townhome?

9. What is symbolized by Ed's toolbox within the narrative?

10. What is the significance of Anna's decision to watch the Today Show through the lens of her camera as her new neighbor watches on his own television?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How is the topic of mental illness treated within the novel and what does the author want the reader to understand more fully about mental illness as a result of reading his book?

Essay Topic 2

What is the function of David's character within the narrative and what goals does his character help the author to fulfill?

Essay Topic 3

Trace the characterization arc of Anna’s character throughout the novel. Discuss whether she is a round or flat character and whether she is a static or dynamic character.

(see the answer keys)

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