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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Isaac realize he left at the murder scene in Book One?
(a) His jacket.
(b) His backpack.
(c) His watch.
(d) His wallet.

2. How old is Isaac English in the beginning of the novel?
(a) 26.
(b) 20.
(c) 21.
(d) 22.

3. Who steps up as an eyewitness that claims he can identify the murderer in Book Two?
(a) John Hicks.
(b) Don Cunko.
(c) Steve Ho.
(d) Murray Clark.

4. What is Isaac's ultimate destination as he flees his hometown in Book One?
(a) Kentucky.
(b) California.
(c) Mexico.
(d) Florida.

5. What is Daryl Foster spraypainting on a wall when Isaac encounters him in Book Two?
(a) His initials.
(b) A Thoreau quote.
(c) A swastika.
(d) A Nietzsche quote.

Short Answer Questions

1. How is Isaac's physicality described in the narrative?

2. Where does Isaac go to sleep after going to the murder scene in Book Two?

3. What is the name of Poe's father?

4. Where did Harris encounter Virgil in the act of stealing?

5. What does Harris warn Poe NOT to do when he releases him from the jail in Book Two?

Short Essay Questions

1. What secrets are revealed in Book Two? How do these secrets serve the plot?

2. The theme of fatalism plays a large part in American Rust. How does fatalism apply to the murder of Otto?

3. How is the character of Billy Poe described in Book One? What are his circumstances in the beginning of the novel?

4. What importance does the setting of American Rust play in the story?

5. What does Poe reveal to Lee about the murder in Book Two? How does she respond?

6. Describe the murder in Book One. What leads up to the murder?

7. How would you describe the atmosphere of the setting and characters in Book One?

8. What internal conflicts does Poe face in the beginning of Book Two?

9. What happens when Billy Poe is officially arrested for murder in Book Two?

10. How does the murder in Book One influence the characters of Isaac and Poe?

(see the answer keys)

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