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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 does Isaac consider committing suicide in Book Four?

2. The justice of the peace tells Harris in Book Three, "Good deeds will not" what?

3. What is Lee's father's name?

4. What does Grace hand over to Harris in the end of Book Four?

5. What does Harris promise to Grace in the end of Book Four?

Short Essay Questions

1. What internal conflict does Poe face while in solitary confinement in Book Four?

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

3. What does Bud Harris discuss with his friends Riley, Chester, and Frank at the Dead End bar in Book Four?

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

5. What ultimatum does Billy Poe face with the white prison gang in Book Three? What is demonstrated through this ultimatum?

6. How has Billy Poe's character evolved in Book Four? What has led to the changes in Poe's character?

7. What do Grace and Harris discuss when he visits her in Book Four?

8. What internal conflicts does Henry English face in Book Four?

9. What is illustrated through the theft of Isaac's money in Book Three?

10. What do Isaac and Baron do upon arriving in the outskirts of Detroit in Book Three?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

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 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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 952 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample