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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to the Master, what is the reason behind Margarethe's lie about his relationship with Caspar?
(a) She was blackmailing him for money for food.
(b) She always was in love with the Master.
(c) She always was in love with Caspar.
(d) Margarethe wanted Iris to marry someone better.

2. What changes about Clara's dress after the ball?
(a) It suddenly becomes too big.
(b) It somehow glows even more.
(c) It suddenly becomes too small, almost choking her.
(d) It is in complete tatters.

3. What signal does Marie de Medici give to the prince to tell him he should move on to other ladies while meeting everyone?
(a) A poke in the side.
(b) A little handwritten note.
(c) A kick under the table.
(d) A slight cough.

4. How does Cornelius react to his grandchildren?
(a) With displeasure.
(b) He doesn't react -- he completely ignores them.
(c) With love.
(d) With suspicion.

5. Why does Clara decline at first to dance with the prince?
(a) She lies about having a turned ankle.
(b) She only has one shoe on.
(c) She wants to give Iris a chance first.
(d) She doesn't know how to dance.

Short Answer Questions

1. As the ball approaches, what part of the van den Meer house does Clara often refuse to leave?

2. Who does Ruth suspect of kidnapping Clara as a child?

3. What family scene does Ruth think would have made a good painting?

4. As the ball approaches and Margarethe is tight for money, why does she claim the Master owes her money?

5. Where does Clara end up getting all of her wealth from?

Short Essay Questions

1. In the Epilogue, what reason does Ruth give for burning the painting?

2. What does Iris worry will happen to Clara if they are forced to leave the beautiful van den Meer home?

3. What causes the prince to be initially interested in Iris?

4. What reasoning does Clara use in explaining to Iris why her beauty is actually a curse?

5. What skill does Clara and Iris count on Caspar using when he goes in search of a dress for Iris for the big ball?

6. In the Epilogue, what does Ruth surmise happened to the greedy van Stolk?

7. What does Ruth have to say about beauty in the Epilogue?

8. What kind of perspective can Ruth offer about what happens to her family?

9. What happens in the dream Iris has the night of the ball?

10. What memory does Ruth say burdened Iris her entire life?

(see the answer keys)

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