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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. Ginny's grandparents were the ones who arrived from ____________ to find their new farm land to not be up to their expectations.

2. Ginny thinks back to when her house used to be owned by the ___________.

3. What were Ty and Pete installing when Ginny returned from the swimming pool with Pammy and Linda?

4. Who does Ginny suddenly find to be quite charming, even though she hadn't thought this before?

5. Jess asks Ginny who Larry's favorite was of all of his girls as they are talking to each other. Who is the favorite?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happened when the trucks and the tractors broke during the past when Larry and Harold were around?

2. When Ginny takes her nieces to the swimming pool, what do they complain about to her?

3. What is Marc Griffin, the banker, worried about in relation to the actions of Larry on his farm?

4. What is Larry's response to the questions of Ginny and Ty after he is released from the hospital?

5. What happens when Jess arrives at Ginny's with frozen meat for her to store for him and for Harold?

6. What happens to Ginny after she cleans the carpet in her house, a task which takes her until noon?

7. What does Ginny drive Rose to and what is the outcome of this trip they take together?

8. What did Ginny and Rose do in order to help Caroline grow up well even though her mother had died?

9. What does Ginny do in order to try to catch a glance of Jess Clark again?

10. When Ty returns with the missing Larry, what does Larry have to say to Ginny in person?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The theme of rural life is one that weaves its way in and around this story. This backdrop provides a unique setting in which certain things can and cannot occur.

Part 1: In what ways does rural life affect the story within this novel?

Part 2: Why do you think the rural setting was important to use in this story? Could a city landscape have worked?

Part 3: What kinds of things are explored when a story is placed in a rural setting which could not be explored in another location?

Essay Topic 2

The affairs with Jess show the reality of the sisters and their dissatisfaction with their lives and situations.

Part 1: Why do you think Ginny decided to sleep with Jess?

Part 2: Why do you think Rose decided to sleep with Jess?

Part 3: Why do you think Jess decided to sleep with both sisters?

Essay Topic 3

Many of the characters have their moments of seeming to be normal and well-adjusted and even happy, but at other times, these are simply guises under which they hide.

Part 1: Why do you think so many characters hide their true feelings in this story?

Part 2: What does it say about the author's own ability to trust people at face value?

Part 3: How might the story have been different had the characters simply acted in an honest and authentic way?

(see the answer keys)

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