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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. How was Ruta Beth's family member murdered?

2. What sport does Bud's son, Jeff, play?

3. Who is waiting at the police station for Bud to pick up Jeff?

4. What does Ruta Beth tell Bud she does for a living?

5. Which of Ruta Beth's family members did she murder?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why do Lamar and his gang visit the local library?

4. What happens when Lamar ambushes Bud in the woods?

5. What moral conflict does Bud encounter while he is tracking tire prints?

6. How does Ruta Beth die?

7. What happens to CD Henderson at the end of the novel?

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

9. What happens after Jeff's final baseball game with his team?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel, Bud and Lamar have three major battles. Describe the setting of each of these battles and explain the casualties of each fight. Why did Lamar and Bud continue to battle each other throughout the novel? In the end, which man considered himself the victor, and why?

Essay Topic 2

Richard Peed is described in the novel as a brilliant but weak man. First, describe Richard physically. Then, describe the relationship Richard has with Lamar. What does Richard gain from this relationship? What does Lamar gain from this relationship? What struggles must these two men overcome in their pursuit of friendship?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout their time on the run together, Lamar frequently challenges Richard, ordering him to perform dangerous jobs. First, explain why Lamar challenges Richard. What is he hoping to accomplish during these challenges? Then, give at least two examples of challenges Lamar put Richard up to, and explain what Richard's response to the challenge was.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 950 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample