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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Besides peeking into the garage, what else does Mr. Patterson do?

2. What does Bard wish he had done to Griffin?

3. Why does Bard wish he had killed Griffin?

4. What is Ralphie's teacher's name?

5. How does Griffin exit his hideout?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Chuck, Cindy's boyfriend, gets a gun and decides to sneak up on the house from the back and enter into the hostage situation. Answer the following questions in a well-developed essay using examples from the book as well as personal experience:

1. Is it wise of Chuck to go into such a situation especially carrying a gun?

2. Why do you think Chuck thinks he would be of help? Is this a macho man act or is he motivated by his love for Cindy and by extension, her family?

3. Compare and contrast the actions of Chuck to those of Robish. Are these two classic examples of good and evil? Is anyone ever completely evil or completely good?

Essay Topic 2

In Act 2, the setting jumps back and forth between the Hillards' home and the Sheriff's office. Tension seems to be mounting in both places. Answer the following questions in a well-developed essay using examples from the book as well as personal experience:

1. How does the jumping back and forth between the two settings contribute to the rising drama and suspense? Or does it? Is it an effective technique?

2. Discuss the different manifestations of the tension in each setting and how each person is responding to the tension.

3. How does Chuck's

Essay Topic 3

When Cindy first arrives home after the three convicts have taken control of the home, she realizes the situation and almost runs, but Griffin stops her with the threat that he will kill Eleanor if Cindy tries to leave. Answer the following questions in a well-developed essay using examples from the book as well as personal experience:

1. Would you run or stay if you were Cindy? Consider that it is possible the convicts would kill you along with your mother no matter what they say. Explain your rationale.

2. If you were Eleanor, would you want your daughter to run, even if it means your death? Explain.

3. Later in the story, the young boy of the household, Ralphie, does try to leave, though he is caught by Robish. Why do you think Ralphie tries to run; whereas, Cindy decides to enter the house and voluntarily become a hostage?

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This section contains 511 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample