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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. When Ben was not in a hurry on a delivery with his truck, he would stop by and pick up _____________.

2. Who was NOT one of the people who hung out with Abel on his last night in town before leaving on the bus?

3. At what time of day did Francisco take his grandsons to the answer to the question in 147?

4. What was the next job that the Relocation people got for Abel once he was out of jail?

5. What was the name of the foreman at the plant where Abel worked?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Very often, flashbacks are being use in the story to help the reader understand present day characters.

Part 1: Why are flashbacks used more often than present day narrative pieces?

Part 2: Why do you think flashbacks are triggered in Abel?

Part 3: What makes the flashbacks more powerful than the modern day actions and stories?

Essay Topic 2

The rain is present at various points in the story, points where there are significant changes for the characters.

Part 1: Why is rain present at the time when Angela and Abel make love?

Part 2: Why do you think rain occurs when Abel leaves Los Angeles to go back to Walatowa?

Part 3: Why is rain present after Francisco dies?

Essay Topic 3

Angela seems to be restless in her life, trying to seduce Abel and make herself feel pretty again.

Part 1: Why do you think Angela is so restless about her life?

Part 2: Do you think Angela's marriage is a happy one? Why or why not?

Part 3: Why do you think Abel decided to sleep with Angela, even though he doesn't think she's pretty?

(see the answer keys)

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