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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 happens moments before Lily passes out in the cave?

2. Why didn't Mercedes want Frances to raise her own son?

3. Who send James Piper the anonymous note informing him of Kathleen's relationship with Rose?

4. Who does Frances claim is Lily's real father?

5. What is the name of the school Frances attends?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the Piper family react to the news that Frances has a job?

2. How did Lily react when she met Rose for the first time?

3. What leads Mercedes to believe Lily is a saint?

4. Who is Ginger?

5. Who is Jeanne?

6. What job does Frances get after running away from home?

7. What happens to Mercedes after her high school graduation?

8. What light does Rose shed on the real father of Kathleen's babies?

9. What happens to Francess' baby shortly after its birth?

10. How does Frances spy on Leo Taylor?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout her life, Kathleen has nightmares about Pete the scarecrow. Describe at least two nightmares Kathleen has, and her reaction to these dreams. What do you think Pete symbolized in Kathleen's life? Describe the final nightmare Kathleen had about Pete, in the moments before she died. What is symbolic about this vision? In the moment of her death, do you think Kathleen finally understood what Pete the scarecrow meant? Why or why not? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Lily is often described as an eerie child with special powers in the spiritual world. First, describe Lily's relationship with her dead brother, Ambrose. In what ways does Ambrose come to Lily and "speak" to her. How do these conversations with Ambrose inform Lily's understanding of Piper family dynamics? Then, describe Mercedes' religious reaction to Lily's spirituality. What hopes and fears does she have for Lily's future? Finally, describe Lily's own reaction to her communing with spirits. What, if anything, does she wish she could change about herself? Why? Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the novel, Lily hears different stories about her brother Ambrose and the way he died. First, describe at least two stories that Frances tells Lily about Ambrose. Then, compare / contrast those stories to the truth of what really happened to Ambrose. What did Frances gain by lying to Lily about her brother? How did these stories affect Lily's character? Then, explain how Lily finally found out the truth about Ambrose, and what her reaction to that truth was. Be sure to include examples from the text to strengthen your arguments.

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