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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. Why do Claire's mother and sisters fuss over her?

2. What does James want to know when he calls Claire from London?

3. What does Claire's mother say is the balm that will save Claire and James' marriage?

4. Who is Judy's boyfriend?

5. Who calls the house looking for Claire?

Short Essay Questions

1. What will guide Claire's ultimate choice in a man?

2. How does James try to make Claire jealous?

3. What news does James reveal to Claire at the restaurant?

4. What does James declare to Claire when he returns to her parents' home?

5. What is the nature of Claire and Adam's relationship as the novel ends?

6. What do Claire's mother and sister do to help bolster her confidence prior to her call with James?

7. Where is Claire preparing to go in Chapter 21?

8. What is Claire's overall demeanor when James arrives at her parents' home?

9. How does James undermine Claire's decision to return to him?

10. Why does Claire want to talk to Adam before she returns to London?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The frustration of unfulfilled affection touches several characters in the story. Name at least two characters who experience unfulfilled love and the situations that occur as a result.

Essay Topic 2

WATERMELON is a classic story of loss and renewal. What does that classification entail? Why does this novel fit into this category? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the ongoing conflict between Claire and James. What are the main sources of the conflicts? Why does it perpetuate? What does Claire learn about the reality of her life with James as opposed to the perceptions she has held for so long?

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