Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson - Exam
- 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) Lucy and Ethel
B) Ruth and Lucille
C) Marilyn and Helen
D) Anna and Sara
- 2. What does Ruth begin to feel towards Sylvie?
A) Disgust
B) Indifference
C) Admiration
D) Anger
- 3. Which narrative style is used in the novel?
A) Second-person
B) First-person
C) Third-person limited
D) Stream of consciousness
- 4. How do Ruth and Lucille's perspectives differ?
A) Ruth embraces instability, Lucille seeks structure
B) Both want to leave home
C) Both desire adventure
D) Lucille ignores the past, Ruth clings to it
- 5. What does Sylvie teach Ruth about life?
A) The value of money
B) The importance of stability
C) The beauty of impermanence
D) The significance of social norms
- 6. Which literary device is frequently used in the novel?
A) Metaphor
B) Oxymoron
C) Alliteration
D) Imagery
- 7. What is a central question the novel poses?
A) How can one achieve success?
B) What does it mean to belong?
C) What is the purpose of life?
D) How do we handle grief?
- 8. Who are Ruth and Lucille's guardians after their mother's death?
A) Their aunt
B) A family friend
C) A neighbor
D) Their grandmother
- 9. What genre does 'Housekeeping' belong to?
A) Literary fiction
B) Mystery
C) Fantasy
D) Science fiction
- 10. What element frequently appears in the novel?
A) Earth
B) Fire
C) Wind
D) Water
- 11. At the end of the novel, what is significant about Ruth’s choice?
A) It shows her rejection of family
B) It reflects her acceptance of her identity
C) It emphasizes her loneliness
D) It denies her past experiences
- 12. How does the community view Sylvie?
A) As a leader
B) As a friend
C) As a caretaker
D) As an outsider
- 13. What does Sylvie's character embody?
A) Freedom and impermanence
B) Confinement and stability
C) Wealth and success
D) Conformity and control
- 14. What is the occupation of the character Sylvie?
A) Transient
B) Nurse
C) Teacher
D) Waitress
- 15. Who instructs Ruth on how to live?
A) Lucille
B) Their mother
C) Grandmother
D) Sylvie
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