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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. Where does Odell sit in the getaway truck from the prison?

2. Which of the following tools does Lamar bring with him when he meets up with the gang after the Denny's robbery?

3. Which of the following names was NOT one of the first Bud thought of when he woke in the hospital?

4. What is the name of the woman Bud frequently fantasizes about while he is driving?

5. What disguise do Odell and Richard wear while scoping out a possible robbery spot?

Short Essay Questions

1. What story does CD Henderson frequently tell about the heyday of his career?

2. Why was Ruta Beth once incarcerated?

3. After escaping from the Stepford's house, what does Lamar demand Richard do to show his loyalty?

4. How did Bud and Holly first hook up?

5. What type of relationship does Lamar have with Richard at the opening of the novel?

6. What is Richard's job during the Denny's robbery?

7. What lie does Bud tell his son, Jeff, when he is supposed to meet him at the batting cages?

8. How does Bud reopen his wounds after his first surgery?

9. How does Lamar save Richard's life after the Denny's shootout?

10. How did Ted lose his nerve as a police officer?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Baseball turns out to be an important symbolic element within the novel. First, explain what the significance of baseball is to Bud and his family. Then, compare / contrast that to the significance baseball has for Lamar and his gang. Finally, explain the symbolism of baseball in direct relation to Bud's chase of the gang.

Essay Topic 2

From the opening of the novel, Lamar Pye is described as a protective man. First, describe the first scenes in which Lamar Pye is introduced to the reader. What / who is he protecting? Then, give examples of at least two relationships in Lamar Pye's life in which he acts as the protector, giving examples from the text to support your argument.

Essay Topic 3

Odell's death has a profound effect on his cousin, Lamar. First, explain how Odell dies. Then, explain Lamar's reaction to the death, and give at least two examples from their history together explaining why Lamar would have such a strong reaction to his cousin's death.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 974 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample