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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 is the first line in the song that Jamel recites?

2. What went missing from Elaine's pocket in Chapter 37?

3. What gift did Lora give Elaine for her 43rd birthday?

4. What job did Elaine have at Project Renewal before being demoted?

5. What former prisoner does Elaine run into at the train station who has just graduated from college?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Elaine go to the anti-drug law rallies once she is out of prison?

2. When Elaine considers buying a three-family building for $299,000, what is her plan?

3. Why is Elaine frantic about finding a new apartment?

4. Describe Nate.

5. Why does Elaine tell Danae to leave her apartment and changes the locks?

6. When Elaine is in a car wreck on New Year's Eve, what injuries does she suffer from?

7. Explain "cuff therapy."

8. What is Officer Russell's background?

9. What is Donna Charles' situation upon leaving prison?

10. Where does Elaine find herself on the third anniversary of her release from prison?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Elaine is strongly focused on being a mother, both in and out of prison. It is part of her identity. When she is released, there are times she is faced with guilt over not being there as a mother to her children. If Elaine had not gone to prison, how do you think things would have been different for her children? Which child is most affected by Elaine's long imprisonment?

Essay Topic 2

Of Yvonne Bartlett's seven children, five served time in jail or prison. The two who didn't died as young adults. Was Yvonne a good mother? Was she good at her role? Did her own arrest have any effect on the outcomes of her children? Who or what is to blame for the outcome of the majority of the Bartlett children? Parenting? Society?

Essay Topic 3

During Part 3 of the book, Elaine makes many decisions. Sometimes she is breaking minor rules of her parole. Other times, she makes questionable decisions regarding her family. Pick one situation in which you believe that Elaine made the wrong decision or took the wrong action. Do you understand why she makes the decision that she does? In your opinion, what would have been a better option for Elaine and why?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 773 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample