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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. Who is the justice of the peace that calls Harris in Book Three?

2. How is the group that is coddling Isaac described in Book Three?

3. What does the justice of the peace suggest that Harris do in Book Three?

4. What does Grace do when Harris comes over to talk about Poe's case in Book Three?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. How has Issac's character evolved in Book Three? How are the changes in Isaac's character revealed?

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and analyze the character of Poe in American Rust. How is Poe's background described? Where is Poe living when his character is introduced? How does Poe's character evolve in the story? Where is Poe in the end of the novel?

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?

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