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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. In Chapter Fifteen, why does Vanessa feel bad for her grandmother?

2. What does Tony confess to Conner in Chapter Twenty-eight?

3. What does Vanessa use to cut herself in Chapter Thirty?

4. Who spoke with the authorities after Conner tried to kill himself?

5. What does Conner do with most of his time?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happened to Tony eight years earlier?

2. Why does Tony finally see his father after eight years?

3. What do Tony and Conner think about Vanessa in Chapter Twenty-six?

4. What did Vanessa's father give her for Christmas?

5. Why are Vanessa and her brother living with their grandmother?

6. What does Tony remember about the Truckee River?

7. Why is Tony in Aspen Springs psychiatric hospital?

8. What happened to Vanessa's mother that causes Vanessa to feel depression and guilt?

9. Why does Conner decide to become friends with Tony?

10. Why is Conner in Aspen Springs psychiatric hospital?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As the novel progresses it is apparent that Tony and Vanessa have developed feelings for each other. However, Tony is portrayed as being gay. What happens between the two characters? Is Tony gay? Why might Tony be confused about his sexuality? Why might Vanessa be hesitant to express her feelings for Tony?

Essay Topic 2

Conner has a history of confusing love and sex. He was molested by his nanny as a child and engaged in a sexual relationship with an older woman before coming to Aspen Springs. His doctor, Dr. Starr, knows of Conner's history. What effect is her behavior having on Conner? Do you think it is appropriate for her to be touching Conner and unbuttoning her shirt in front of him? Why or why not? Is she doing these things on purpose?

Essay Topic 3

The students are assigned to write poems about their happiest memories. The poems they write reveal their intimate feelings.

1) What does Vanessa write about and what does her writing tell the reader about her state of mind?

2) What does Tony write about and what does his writing tell the reader about his state of mind?

3) What does Conner write about and what does his writing tell the reader about his state of mind?

(see the answer keys)

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