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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. To whom does Loretta go for help while Howard is gone?

2. In what condition is Maureen at the beginning of the second book?

3. Where are Jules and Nadine at the end of Chapter 6 of the second book?

4. How might Nadine's emotions be described?

5. Why is Jules so anxious at the bank when cashing Bernard's checks?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to Maureen after Howard's death?

2. What happens to Maureen as a result of her method of earning income?

3. What does Maureen write about one of her other professors?

4. What happens to Mrs. Wendall after Howard's death?

5. What has changed about Maureen as a result of her catatonia?

6. What are some of Maureen's responsibilities around the house after Loretta marries Pat?

7. What happens to Jules in Tulsa?

8. What does Jules tell Vera about love?

9. What do Maureen and Jules talk about when Jules visits her in Dearborn?

10. How does Jules' relationship with Nadine end?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Loretta doesn't understand why she has no connection with her children as adults. What do you think is the reason for the disconnect between them? Is there anything that Loretta could have done differently? Why does Loretta hypothesize that maybe she had the wrong children? Do you think she really believes this? Or is she simply trying to find a reason so she doesn't have to feel guilty? Do you think the disconnect is a result of Loretta's parenting, the family's situation, or a combination of the two? Why? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 2

The author barely mentions Loretta's two youngest children, Betty and Ronnie. Why do you think they are such minor characters? Why does the author focus only on Loretta's two oldest children? Would you, as a reader, have liked to know more about the two younger children? Why or why not? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

The roles of men and women in "Them" are very different. What opportunities and duties do the women have? What about the men? What opportunities do the men have, that the women lack? Is there a difference in the way characters of each gender are portrayed? If so, what is it? Do you think that these gender portrayals are accurate, considering the novel's setting? Why or why not? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

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