Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson
- 1. Housekeeping, a novel by Marilynne Robinson, is a profound exploration of the complexities of family, memory, and the ephemeral nature of life. Set in the fictional town of Fingerbone, Idaho, the narrative follows the lives of two sisters, Ruth and Lucille, who are left to navigate their own path after the death of their mother and the absence of their transient, unconventional aunt, Sylvie. Through Ruth's introspective and lyrical perspective, Robinson delves deep into themes of loss, belonging, and the search for identity, as the sisters grapple with their disparate approaches to life and their shared history. The novel is imbued with a sense of longing and an appreciation for the beauty of impermanence, as it reflects on the transient nature of human connections and the ways in which we construct and deconstruct our understanding of home and family. Housekeeping stands out not only for its rich, poetic prose but also for its existential questions and the haunting imagery that linger long after the last page is turned, inviting readers to reflect on the intricacies of their own lives and the stories that shape them.
Who are the protagonists in 'Housekeeping'?
A) Marilyn and Helen
B) Lucy and Ethel
C) Anna and Sara
D) Ruth and Lucille
- 2. What does Ruth begin to feel towards Sylvie?
A) Disgust
B) Admiration
C) Indifference
D) Anger
- 3. Which narrative style is used in the novel?
A) Second-person
B) Third-person limited
C) First-person
D) Stream of consciousness
- 4. How do Ruth and Lucille's perspectives differ?
A) Both desire adventure
B) Lucille ignores the past, Ruth clings to it
C) Both want to leave home
D) Ruth embraces instability, Lucille seeks structure
- 5. What does Sylvie teach Ruth about life?
A) The beauty of impermanence
B) The importance of stability
C) The value of money
D) The significance of social norms
- 6. Which literary device is frequently used in the novel?
A) Alliteration
B) Oxymoron
C) Metaphor
D) Imagery
- 7. What is a central question the novel poses?
A) What is the purpose of life?
B) How do we handle grief?
C) How can one achieve success?
D) What does it mean to belong?
- 8. Who are Ruth and Lucille's guardians after their mother's death?
A) A family friend
B) Their aunt
C) A neighbor
D) Their grandmother
- 9. What genre does 'Housekeeping' belong to?
A) Fantasy
B) Mystery
C) Science fiction
D) Literary fiction
- 10. What element frequently appears in the novel?
A) Wind
B) Fire
C) Earth
D) Water
- 11. At the end of the novel, what is significant about Ruth’s choice?
A) It emphasizes her loneliness
B) It shows her rejection of family
C) It denies her past experiences
D) It reflects her acceptance of her identity
- 12. How does the community view Sylvie?
A) As a caretaker
B) As a friend
C) As an outsider
D) As a leader
- 13. What does Sylvie's character embody?
A) Conformity and control
B) Freedom and impermanence
C) Confinement and stability
D) Wealth and success
- 14. What is the occupation of the character Sylvie?
A) Waitress
B) Transient
C) Nurse
D) Teacher
- 15. Who instructs Ruth on how to live?
A) Grandmother
B) Their mother
C) Lucille
D) Sylvie
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