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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. How does Hortensia feel about the letter requesting the burial?

2. Which nurse does Hortensia actually like?

3. With what part of her body does Hortensia physically struggle?

4. Why do Hortensia’s nurses repeatedly quit?

5. Where did Hortensia go to design school?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Hortensia not wish to help Beulah Gierdien?

2. What happens in the construction accident?

3. How does Hortensia feel when Peter dies?

4. How do Hortensia and Marion first meet?

5. Why does Dr. Mama visit Hortensia? What is their interaction like?

6. Why do Marion and Hortensia argue over the remodel?

7. Why does Marion prefer her dog to her late husband?

8. What does Chapter Seven reveal about why Marion became an architect?

9. How does Marion treat Agnes?

10. How does Marion perceive race?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How is dialogue essential to the major themes of the novel? What different types of conversations are had and how do they contribute to both the plot and ideas of the book?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of “age” as it applies to the main characters and the storyline. Why do you think the author chose to focus on two elderly woman?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast Hortensia and Marion’s respective treatment and perception of their housekeepers, Bassey and Agnes.

(see the answer keys)

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