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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. From whose house is Poe walking home in the beginning of Book Two?

2. What does Grace dream of doing in Book One?

3. What does Isaac use to commit the murder in Book One?

4. How old is Isaac English in the beginning of the novel?

5. What is the name of Poe's mother?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the murder in Book One influence the characters of Isaac and Poe?

2. What takes place in Grace Poe's narrative in Book Two?

3. What does Poe reveal to Lee about the murder in Book Two? How does she respond?

4. How is the character of Billy Poe described in Book One? What are his circumstances in the beginning of the novel?

5. What is revealed through the encounter between Harris and Poe while Poe is in a holding cell in Book Two?

6. How is Billy Poe's introduction to the Fayette Prison described in Book Two?

7. What secrets are revealed in Book Two? How do these secrets serve the plot?

8. What political struggles and conflicts plague Bud Harris in Book Two?

9. What symbolism surrounds the murder that occurs in Book One of American Rust?

10. Where does Isaac plan to travel in Book One? Why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the author's use of irony in American Rust. What are examples of situational irony in the narrative? What are examples of verbal and dramatic irony? What purpose does irony serve in each context?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss Poe's experiences and thoughts while in solitary confinement. What internal conflict plagues Poe during this time? How does he consider his circumstances? What resolution does Poe reach?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the theme of secrets in American Rust. What are some of the principle secrets that are revealed in the course of the narrative? How is this theme developed through character? How is it developed through setting, symbolism, and imagery?

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