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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 punishment does Charlie's mother give him for sneaking off and his disrespect in Chapter Three?

2. The memory of the peppermint trees at Eliza's house might be a symbol for which of the following?

3. Who has died in Charlie's family?

4. What is the nature of Laura's injuries in Chapter One?

5. What research captures Charlie's imagination at the library?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is it unusual that no one is talking about Laura Wishart's disappearance in Chapter Two?

2. Charlie keeps referring to his choice to wear shoes as "pansy" (25). Why does he feel this way?

3. How does Wesley Bucktin describe Laura Wishart, from a teacher's point of view?

4. What is ironic about Charlie's nickname for An Lu's garden?

5. In what ways is the relationship between Charlie's parents built on a shaky foundation?

6. Describe the differences between Charlie's relationships with his mother and father.

7. What are some of the problems between Charlie and his mother?

8. Why does Charlie debate telling Eliza (or not telling her) what he knows about Laura's death?

9. How is The Wizard of Oz a prominent motif in Chapter Four?

10. In what ways is Eliza similar to Audrey Hepburn's movie characters?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the end, many people - especially Charlie's parents - have broken his trust or disappointed him immensely. Write an essay that explores the reasons behind Charlie's feelings of being hurt, and what lessons he can take from these disappointments.

Essay Topic 2

The Australian calendar is quite different from that of the United States and the rest of the Northern Hemisphere. Write an essay detailing the school calendar and the seasons of Australia, and how that reversal might inform our own reading of the text.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay in which you explore the ways that Jasper, Charlie, Jack Lionel, and Wesley create a new world in which women and minorities have the possibilities of rights and respect. You may focus on one topic or on more than one character.

(see the answer keys)

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