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. Where is Lamar hiding when Bud arrives at Ruta Beth's house to investigate her car?

2. Which of the following famous gangsters is Lamar NOT compared to on the news?

3. When Bud finally calls Holly, what life-changing event does she ask him to do with her?

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

5. After Jeff's baseball game, what statement does Bud make to Holly?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Bud end up house hunting with Holly?

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

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

4. How does Ruta Beth die?

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

6. How does Odell die?

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

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

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

10. How does Lamar prepare to stalk Bud and his family?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

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

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,019 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample