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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. What type of cigarette does Glen smoke in Chapter 4?

2. What does Bone dream of buying her mother after she became a famous singer?

3. After getting off work, what does Mama smell like in Chapter 3?

4. Why does Deedee agree to come home and help care for her mother?

5. What happens when Bone is hungry?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the two things that people talk about when they talk about Glen? How are the two things alike?

2. Why does Ruth like being pregnant?

3. Bone says she doesn't want to go to Shannon's family barbecue, but she ends up going. Why do you think she goes?

4. In Chapter 8, Bone begins suffering many injuries at Glen's hands. Does it seem realistic that her mother wouldn't realize what is going on?

5. Why does Mama find Bone's birth certificate upsetting?

6. Do you think that Mama cares if people think she burned down the courthouse?

7. In trying to help Bone understand why her mother hasn't visited her, Aunt Raylene reveals something about herself that Bone didn't know. What is it?

8. Why does Glen come to Alma's house?

9. Describe the differences between Mama and her girls and the children of Glen's brothers.

10. Aunt Ruth tells Mama that she looks like a Boatwright after Lyle dies. What does she mean by that?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The book often mentions Glen's empty face or eyes. Explain what this means. Connect this to Glen's need to turn his face away from the camera when family pictures are being taken.

Essay Topic 2

Foreshadowing can be an effective tool in hinting to the reader. This literary tool is used in "Bastard Out of Carolina." Find 3 examples of foreshadowing and describe how they indicate events to come.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the five Boatwright sisters: Anney, Raylene, Alma, Carr, and Ruth. Who is the most different and why? Describe the relationship between the five women as children and as adults.

(see the answer keys)

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