View a FREE sample

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 food does Ruta Beth promise to make for the gang after they rob the restaurant?

2. How are Lamar and Odell related?

3. What does Richard Peed do for a living?

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

5. What is the name of the penitentiary where Richard and Lamar are serving time?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the police force treat Ted during his funeral?

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

3. How many people are shot and killed during the Denny's robbery?

4. How does Lamar escape prison?

5. After the shootout at the Stepfords, where do Lamar and his gang hideout?

6. Who are Mr. and Mrs. Stepford?

7. At the opening of the novel, why is Lamar Pye in prison?

8. What event happens in the showers of the prison that changes Lamar Pye's prison life?

9. At the opening of the novel, why is Richard Peed in prison?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Much of the novel's plot surrounds Bud's changing relationship with his wife. First, describe the relationship Bud has with his wife at the opening of the novel and compare / contrast that to the relationship he has with his wife at the end of the novel. Then, give at least two examples of major events in the novel and describe how these events altered the way Bud felt about his relationship with his wife.

Essay Topic 2

Revenge is a large theme throughout the novel. Choose two scenes of revenge and compare / contrast them. First, describe each scene of revenge in detail. Who was the aggressor? Who was the victim? What act was being avenged? Was the act of revenge successful? Why or why not? Then, explain what you think Hunter's overarching message about revenge is. Is revenge always the answer? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

The opening of the novel is set in a state penitentiary, a community with its own rules for justice and power. First, describe the physicality of the prison. Then, explain how this small civilization functions. How are respect and power earned? Give at least one example from the text that supports your argument.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 909 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample