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

2. What weapon is Isaac wielding when the cops begin chasing him in Book Three?

3. Who is the wife of a wealthy local businessman that meets Grace at the bar in Book Four?

4. What does Poe's cell-mate masturbate to in the cell with Poe in Book Four?

5. What word from Book Four refers to an instance of turning something aside from its course?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What is Lee's response after a police officer comes to look for her brother in Book Three?

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

5. How has Isaac English's character evolved in Book Four? How does the author illustrate the changes in Isaac?

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

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

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

9. What information does Glen Patacki relate to Harris in Book Three?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the motif of suicide in American Rust. What characters have committed, attempt to commit, or do commit suicide in the novel? Why do they commit suicide? What do you think this indicates?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Discuss the opinions of Buell's townspeople following Poe's arrest. What gossip has emerged within the town? What gossip emerges regarding Harris's involvement in the case? What are the repercussions of this gossip?

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