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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. Harris's friends discuss town gossip in Book Four, including criticism that Harris let Poe off too easily several years ago when he'd done what?

2. In Book Four, Grace wonders whether who would have been a better father to her son?

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

4. What is Poe's first name?

5. With whom does Grace have an intimate encounter with in the beginning of Book Three?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. What is foreshadowed by the conversation between Grace and Harris in Book Four?

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 analyze the plot structure of American Rust. Where in the narrative do the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and denouement occur? How traditionally structured is the plot of the novel? Would you describe the ending of the novel to be hopeful or tragic? Why?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Henry English's circumstances in the novel. How did Henry become injured? What are the extent of his injuries? What leads Henry to kill himself at the end of the narrative?

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This section contains 939 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample