View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Aggie say to Marion as she leaves the library?

2. What was Alberta's real name?

3. How does Hortensia react when Marion reaches for her hand?

4. Which word best describes Marion’s feelings about living at No. 10 Katterijn Avenue?

5. Why did Agnes take the painting?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Hortensia feel “at home again” after she and Marion fight?

2. Why did Hortensia and Peter’s relationship receive criticism?

3. What does Agnes reveal about the painting?

4. Why is Marion surprised by Hortensia’s interaction with Innes?

5. How does Hortensia’s confession about Peter’s illegitimate child bring the women closer together?

6. Why is Beulah’s pregnancy symbolically significant?

7. Why does Hortensia say she does not want to “absolve” Marion?

8. How does Agnes ultimately feel about Marion?

9. How does Peter feel about Hortensia’s career?

10. What is the arrangement when Marion moves into Hortensia’s house?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the significance of Beulah Gierdien’s letter and request that she bury her grandmother’s ashes on Hortensia’s property. What history and significance is present here?

Essay Topic 2

How does the novel explain the development of Marion’s racism? What specific scenes from her childhood cause her to develop in the manner that she does?

Essay Topic 3

Why do you think the author chose to situate the novel in the neighborhood of Katterijn specifically? What details about the neighborhood contribute to the plot and themes of the novel?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 619 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample