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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. On Ruby's first day of work, what did Tiny Fran do that Ruby found appalling?

2. What did Jack admire about Ruby?

3. Did Jack think that Burr truly had a choice in marrying Tiny Fran?

4. What does Ruby realize a dying person needs?

5. Who interrupted Jack and Ruby's first conversation?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Jack's last memory of Ruby?

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

3. Why did Ruby get mad at Jack the day she was diagnosed with cancer?

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

5. What was Jack's mother like?

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

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

8. Describe Jack's experience with women before Ruby.

9. Why did Lonnie Hoover ask Burr to marry Tiny Fran?

10. When Jack shot his gun, what did Ruby think of and why didn't she tell Jack?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the parenting styles of Ruby and Tiny Fran, being sure to mention:

a) The parenting that both women received from their mothers.

b) The amount of attention given to both Roland and June.

c) The roles of Jack and Burr as co-parents.

Be sure to cite examples from the text.

(see the answer keys)

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