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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 is annoying Howard about Alice lately?

2. To whom had Alice reported her slapping a student?

3. What does Howard think about while waiting to see Alice in jail?

4. When does the enormity of Lizzy's death hit Howard?

5. Howard wants Alice to get ______________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the nature of the relationship between Alice and Howard at this point?

2. What is the significance of the maps of the world that Alice had drawn as a child?

3. How do Mrs. Mackessy and Mrs. M.L. Glevitch push Alice to the breaking point at Lizzy's funeral?

4. How does Howard react to Alice's arrest, especially noting Alice's behavior?

5. What is the relationship between Alice and her mother-in-law, Nellie, after Lizzy's funeral?

6. What is Alice's job and why did she enter into this career field?

7. What thoughts does Alice have regarding God that show her elementary thinking on the topic?

8. Describe the behavior of Howard and Alice in the church for Lizzy's funeral.

9. What is the tragedy that occurs early in the story?

10. Describe the School Board meeting when Alice runs away.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Hamilton is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphors, and irony, briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

Essay Topic 2

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of loss. Identify at least two examples about loss in the book. Then explain how each example supports the theme of loss.

Essay Topic 3

Hamilton uses more than one instance of irony in the story. Cite at least two other examples you can identify in the story and note why they are examples of irony. What is the major irony in the story? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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