View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What was Ruby's upbringing like?

2. What was the first thing Jack ever said to Ruby?

3. What did Ruby want to do to John Woodrow, but never got the chance?

4. What often happened in the Hoover house that Lonnie did not know about?

5. How does Ruby react to Jack's thoughts on her diagnosis?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Jack acquire his gun, and what did he use it for?

2. How did Jack meet Ruby?

3. What did Jack once think that Lonnie Hoover would give and didn't?

4. How did Ruby die, and why was this so frustrating for Jack?

5. What happened the last time Ruby saw John Woodrow?

6. At the beginning of Chapter 2, what was Ruby doing, and why?

7. What was Jack's mother like?

8. How did Jack plan to win Ruby over?

9. What kind of person was Tiny Fran?

10. What was Jack's first impression of Ruby?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

After writing fifteen chapters with Jack and Ruby as narrators, the author switches narrative styles in the last chapter to third person omnipotent. Explain why having dual narrators was not only beneficial, but critical to the story, and why it was necessary to switch styles for the ending.

Essay Topic 2

Explore the theme of death that occurs throughout the novel. How does death affect the various characters? How do some deaths, such as that of Burr's father, compare and contrast to Ruby's in how it affects their loved ones?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the appearances of religion, including spirituality, within the text. How is religion portrayed? Is it a positive or negative force within the text?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 810 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample