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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. When Bud visits CD Henderson after being released from the hospital, what is CD watching on TV?

2. Where does Lamar hide his gun while in a fist fight with Bud?

3. At the end of the novel, in which state is Russ Pewtie living?

4. Which of the following car models is NOT one of the three Colonel McCutcheon narrows down from the crime scene?

5. Which of the following adjectives is NOT used to describe Raymond, the gangster at the end of the novel?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Lamar depressed after the Denny's robbery?

2. What does Jeff admit to Bud while on the drive home from the DA's office?

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

4. How does it go when Bud and Holly go house hunting together?

5. Why does Bud sneak out of the hospital to visit CD Henderson?

6. How does the public respond when Bud is once again put in the hospital after a shootout with Lamar and his gang?

7. How does Lamar cope with his growing grief after Odell's death?

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

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

10. How does Ruta Beth die?

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

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?

(see the answer keys)

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