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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. How old is Poe in Book One?

2. What is Daryl Foster spraypainting on a wall when Isaac encounters him in Book Two?

3. What does Isaac realize he left at the murder scene in Book One?

4. What does Poe take with him when he goes into the woods from his house in Book Two?

5. Who among the drifters at the car factory is described as an old man?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the theme of fatalism apply to Grace and Billy Poe in Book One?

2. Where does Isaac plan to travel in Book One? Why?

3. In Book Two, the language surrounding Isaac's narrative begins to transition. What purpose does this transition serve?

4. Describe the character of Bud Harris in the narrative. What is revealed about Harris's inner thoughts in Book Two?

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

6. How does the theme of fatalism apply to Henry and Lee English in the novel?

7. How is Isaac English described when his character is introduced in Book One? What are Isaac's circumstances in the beginning of the novel?

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

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

10. What is revealed through the encounter between Harris and Poe while Poe is in a holding cell in Book Two?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and discuss the events surrounding the murder that Isaac commits. Where does the murder take place? What events lead up to the murder? Do you think that Isaac is justified in committing the murder? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of secrets in American Rust. What are some of the principle secrets that are revealed in the course of the narrative? How is this theme developed through character? How is it developed through setting, symbolism, and imagery?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the setting of Buell, Pennsylvania, and discuss how the setting of the novel reflects its themes. What is the economy like in Buell? What events have changed the economy? How have these changes impacted the residents of the community?

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