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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. What have the attractions in town been replaced with?

2. When Bill arrives at Ed's house for dinner what state is he in?

3. What time does Ronny Lawton's estranged wife go into work at?

4. How long ago did Ronny's mother die?

5. What happens to Ronny Lawton's mother?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Ronny Lawton's estranged wife.

2. Why is Bill so cynical about doing articles about things like bake offs?

3. Describe Bill's mother.

4. Why does Sam get angry at Bill over his Rocky commentary piece he presents him with?

5. List some of the signs that give evidence to Ed and his illness.

6. How does Ronny react when Bill shows up and plays music at his work?

7. List three of the four big newspapers that pick up the Ronny Lawton story.

8. Describe the process Ronny Lawton went through to report his father missing.

9. Who is Gretchen? Describe her.

10. Why does Bill say that "the written word is dead?"

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Ronny Lawton's father's body is never found. Bill knows it exists somewhere, and he can't ignore that fact.

Write an essay exploring Bill's ideas of extinction and evolution in the context of the story. How does he view the conclusion to the Ronny Lawton case? What do his ideas of extinction and evolution have to do with it? How does he tie these ideas in to the closing of the factories? Reference the novel to support your points.

Essay Topic 2

Bill has difficult psychological challenges to endure, especially in connection with women.

Write an essay that explains which women he focuses on, how he interacts with them, what they want from him, and why. Will any of these relationships last? Why or why not? Be sure the explain whether unrequited love and obsession factor into Bill's personality and what that tells the reader about Bill's character. Provide examples from the novel to support your argument.

Essay Topic 3

Bill lets himself be taken hostage by Ronny Lawton. He does not struggle or try to escape when tied up. He even goes as far as to warn Ronny about the poisoned food the FBI gives him.

Write an essay explaining why Bill helps Ronny even though he is being held hostage by him. What are the reasons behind his actions? How does he feel about the situation as a whole? Is he angry, sad, annoyed, or something else? Reference the novel to support your argument.

(see the answer keys)

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