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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 does Richard Peed do for a living?

2. Who kills the truck driver after escaping from prison?

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

4. Which of the following gang members kills the most civilians during the restaurant robbery?

5. Which of the following restaurant employees is able to identify Lamar from a photo line-up?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why was Ruta Beth once incarcerated?

2. Why does Lamar take Richard to a movie theater, but never takes him inside?

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

4. What does Bud discover when he goes to visit McAlaster?

5. Who are Mr. and Mrs. Stepford?

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

7. How do Lamar and his gang manage to avoid the police after the Denny's robbery?

8. How has CD Henderson's police career changed as he has aged?

9. How does Lamar treat the manager of the Denny's during the robbery?

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

Throughout the novel, many of the main characters are in search of redemption for their past mistakes. Choose one character from the novel and explain his / her path to redemption. What past sins is this character hoping to absolve? What process does this character go through in his/her pursuit of redemption? In the end, is this character successfully redeemed for his/her sins? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

One form of conflict within the novel is the public's conflicting views of Lamar and his gang. First, explain the argument of the parties that support Lamar and his gang. Why do they think he should be left alone by the police? Then, compare / contrast that with the argument of the parties that believe Lamar should be put back in prison. Why should he be taken off the streets? Then, give at least one example of the way this tension infiltrates Bud's family's life.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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