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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 do the inmates plan to get Poe alone with the person they want him to beat up in Book Three?

2. What food items does Isaac steal in Book Four?

3. How does Isaac escape the cop when he is chased in Book Three?

4. Where does Isaac go to attend to his hygiene after stealing items from the store in Book Four?

5. What does Poe do when the other prisoner demands food from his tray in Book Three?

Short Essay Questions

1. How has Poe's character evolved in Book Three? How does the author illustrate the changes in Poe's character?

2. What foreshadowing is revealed through Poe's inner monologues in Book Four?

3. How is the theme of decay illustrated in Book Three of American Rust?

4. What does Poe decide to do at the end of Book Three? Why?

5. What leads up to the cafeteria fight between Poe and another inmate in Book Three?

6. What does Isaac do at the Wal-Mart store in Book Four?

7. What is significant about Isaac's use of the phrase "Badge of Honor" in Book Four?

8. What leads up to the conflict between Poe and his cell-mate in Book Four? What is the outcome of the conflict?

9. What inner conflicts does Grace Poe face in the beginning of Book Three?

10. How is the theme of sacrifice explored in Book Four of American Rust?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the author's use of irony in American Rust. What are examples of situational irony in the narrative? What are examples of verbal and dramatic irony? What purpose does irony serve in each context?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss the narrative style of American Rust. Is the story related in the present tense or past tense? Is the narrator involved in the action of the story? Is the narrative perspective omniscient or limited? What are the effects of each of these choices?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss Isaac's journey in the narrative. Where does Isaac travel to and how does he get there? Whom does Isaac meet along his journey? How does Isaac's journey change him as a character?

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