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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. To what sound does Ruby awaken on Saturday morning?

2. What plans does Ruby say have changed?

3. How does Ruby react to Gervais' comment on the second day?

4. Where does Gervais attend school in the afternoons?

5. Who does Ruby first call at a convenience store after class?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Ruby come to get a job at the mall?

2. What does Ruby say about Gervais at the beginning of this chapter?

3. What has Jaime bought for himself, Ruby, Cora and Roscoe and how do Ruby and Cora react?

4. What does Ruby want to do with the money Cora gives her for clothes, and what does she ultimately do?

5. What does Ruby learn at the fish store and what fish does Ruby choose?

6. Describe the conversation between Cora and Ruby about Cora's wedding.

7. In what condition is the house that the Honeycutts own when they come by to check on the place and what do they do?

8. Who is Marshall and what kind of relationship do Ruby and Marshall have?

9. What is Jaime showing Ruby at the opening to the novel and who else is there?

10. What does Ruby notice about Nate and Heather and what advice does she offer Nate, and what does he do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Over the course of Lock and Key, Ruby grows as a person in both complexity and understanding. Lock and Key might be considered a slice of Ruby's larger story of her "coming of age." It might be said that Lock and Key is a "bildungsroman" of Ruby. Discuss the following:

1. Define Bildungsroman, or "Coming of Age," and give several examples from literature you have read.

2. Trace and analyze the character of Rubby as she changes from a more closed loner to an open and compassionate young woman. What are the significant events that change Ruby?

3. After thoroughly analyzing Ruby's growth throughout Lock and Key, do you think Lock and Key could be considered Ruby's Coming of Age story? Why or why not?

4. Are there any other characters in Lock and Key who go through a Coming of Age experience? Who? Why do you think so?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss Lock and Key based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if Lock and Key is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider Lock and Key a successful novel? What about young teens?

Essay Topic 3

Characters are an important part of what makes Lock and Key interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Ruby. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Nate. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Cora. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

4. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Olivia. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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