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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. To which Biblical person does Alice liken herself?

2. Who is Theresa's remaining daughter?

3. Why does Theresa feel guilty about Alice's arrest?

4. What animal does Howard slaughter in Chapter 11?

5. Alice likens jail to ________________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Theresa's view on mercy at this point in her life?

2. What are Alice's thoughts about religion as she is locked up?

3. What is Alice's perspective on Nellie's so-called generosity?

4. Why is the lunch between Theresa and Alice so awkward?

5. What happens after Howard and the girls leave the jail and what does Howard bring up in a letter he writes to Alice?

6. What are the details of Howard's sale of the farm and how much does he accept for its purchase?

7. Describe Theresa's last night with Howard and the girls.

8. How does Howard describe his state of confusion in Chapter 11?

9. What is the purpose of the interviews conducted with Alice's daughters and the Child Welfare Office?

10. How do the girls adapt to "hobo life" as Howard calls their apartment adventure?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a brief character study of Theresa. What does she look like? What are her positive personality traits? What are some of her negative characteristics? What are her hopes and fears? What motivates her--if anything--at this point?

Essay Topic 2

The theme of the passage of time is an important one in the novel. How does the author begin to build this theme? Give examples of the passage of time throughout the book.

Essay Topic 3

The author uses more than one theme in the novel. Identify at least two themes in the story and then cite an example to support each theme.

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