The Dollhouse Murders

Multiple Choice and Long Answer questions create ideal opportunities for whole-text review, unit exam, or summative assessments.

Multiple Choice

1. How does Amy’s perspective on Louann change by the novel’s conclusion?

A) Amy is no longer resentful of Louann and takes on her responsibilities as before.

B) Amy’s guilt about Louann dissipates and she increases her responsibilities toward her.

C) Amy learns to embrace her family and their differences, including Louann.

D) Amy decides to no longer take care of Louann and becomes completely independent.

2. Based on the novel, what might the reader conclude Aunt Clare values?

A) Independence

B) Caretaking

C) Guilt

D) Family

3. What comparison can be made between Amy and Aunt Clare?

A) Both permanently leave behind a life they hated.

B)  Both have had difficulty with guardians who expect them to be something they aren’t.

C) Neither of them sees the benefit of individual responsibility.

D) Neither of them has an appreciation for their family members.

4. What does Ellen represent to Amy in the novel?

A)  She is a friend Amy can never have.

B)  She depicts creativity and inspiration.

C) She symbolizes family secrets.

D) She represents a normal childhood.

5. What best describes the way in which Aunt Clare copes with guilt and grief?

A) She runs away.

B) She takes in Amy.

C) She consults with others.

D) She refuses to feel responsible.

6. What do flowers symbolize in The Dollhouse Murders?

A) Family secrets

B)  Amy’s emotions

C) Funeral attendance

D) Louann’s innocence

7. What is the most likely reason Aunt Clare offers to allow Amy to stay with her?

A) Aunt Clare disagrees with Amy’s parents about Louann’s upbringing.

B) Aunt Clare wants Amy to solve the mystery of the Treloars.

C) Aunt Clare understands Amy’s need to get away.

D) Aunt Clare is lonely because she does not have a family.

8. What is the significance of food and drink in the novel?

A) They represent emotional growth and decision-making.

B) They symbolize family relationships and cohesion.

C) They serve to help the characters to gather clues.

D) They provide nourishment and sustenance for the characters.

9. Which of the following is an example of Wright’s use of weather to identify emotions?

A) Amy is forced to cancel her picnic plans with Ellen because of the rain.

B) The sun is shining when Louann accidentally knocks over a tulip.

C) Amy and her friends spend an enjoyable day in the park after her birthday.

D) Amy experiences cold when she is bitter toward her family on a warm day.

10. What does the vase Louann gives Amy symbolize?

A) Sisterly love

B) The dollhouse

C) Happiness

D) Family

11. What best describes what the falling books in the dollhouse parlor foreshadow in the novel?

A) The restlessness of the spirits of the Treloars.

B) A disturbing and unsettling event.

C) The discovery of the truth of the murders.

D) An imminent danger and threat to Amy.

Long Answer

Compose a response of 2-3 sentences, incorporating textual details to support your response.

1. Do you agree with Aunt Clare’s assertion that Louann should learn to be independent? How does Louann’s increasing independence change her?

2. At the end of the novel, Aunt Clare gives Louann the dollhouse. Why do you think Aunt Clare chooses to give the dollhouse to Louann? Would you consider taking the dollhouse into your home if it was given to you?