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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. Which part of the lion's body does Richard have a particularly difficult time drawing?

2. Where does Ruta keep a folder of old crime scene photos?

3. What is the name of Odell's mother?

4. What type of cigarettes does Lamar smoke?

5. How much money do Lamar and his gang steal during their restaurant robbery?

Short Essay Questions

1. What mixed reactions does Bud experience in regards to the public's opinion of Lamar?

2. What happens to Richard at the end of the novel?

3. What valuable piece of evidence does CD Henderson discover at the scene of the Denny's robbery?

4. Why is Bud's son, Jeff, arrested?

5. What excuse does Bud give as to why he cannot move in with Holly?

6. How does Bud react when he first arrives at the Tull farm, knowing Lamar and his gang are hiding out there?

7. Why does CD Henderson think the police force is going to make him retire?

8. How does Ruta Beth die?

9. How does Jen react to the news that Bud has been having an affair?

10. What happens when Bud traces the tire tracks from the Denny's robbery to Ruta Beth's farm?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Bud and Holly both have very different expectations for their relationship. First, explain what Bud's expectations are in regards to his relationship with Holly. Then, compare / contrast those expectations with Holly's expectations. What conflicts arise from the conflicting expectations in the relationship? How are these conflicts resolved? Give at least two examples, supported by the text.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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