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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 does Ruby ask Cora about when Cora went back into the house the day Cora left home?

2. What does Olivia say one should hold on to?

3. What do Olivia and Ruby discuss?

4. What does Aaron have when Ruby sees him?

5. What is one thing Ruby concentrates on in December?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens between Ruby and Nate that endangers their relationship?

2. What does Ruby do with Jamie on Christmas Eve?

3. Where does Ruby visit Olivia and why is Olivia there?

4. Why is Cora nervous about Thanksgiving and where does Ruby find Cora on the day?

5. Who finds Ruby in the clearing and what does he do and say?

6. What does Ruby learn about her father?

7. Describe Ruby's confrontation at Marshall's place.

8. What do Cora and Ruby talk about the next morning after Ruby's drunken episode?

9. What changes have been going on with Gervais?

10. What does Ruby overhear when she goes to the Cross house for the pies?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One day Ruby is with Olivia as she shouts for her friend Laney to "pick up the pace." Olivia says Laney has taken on a project she can't possibly complete and that she should have begun with a lighter running program before training for a race. One day Ruby and Olivia are talking about friendships. Olivia says no two people are going to see things the same meaning if you find someone to share a couple of things with, you should hold onto them as friends. Ruby is struck by Olivia's friendship to Laney. When Laney is the last one making an appearance to finish the race, Olivia is the only one still at the finish line. She's cheering Laney on and Ruby realizes that Laney didn't need the crowd remaining to cheer for her. Instead, she just needed Olivia.

1. Discuss the ways in which you think Olivia demonstrates she knows how to be a good friend, both to Ruby and Laney and even Gervais. Use examples from Lock and Key and your own life to support your reasoning.

2. Olivia says no two people are going to see things with the same meaning if you find someone to share a couple of things with, you should hold onto them as friends. Discuss, in detail, what you think Olivia means by this statement. Use examples from Lock and Key and your own life to support your reasoning.

3. Discuss Ruby's life and why that life might have made her be so touched by Olivia's demonstration of friendship. Use examples from Lock and Key and your own life to support your reasoning.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of growth in Lock and Key. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with growth? Why? What are some symbols of growth? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of family in Lock and Key. Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to have problems in their families? What kind of problems?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of addiction in Lock and Key. Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to have problems because of addiction in others? What kind of problems?

Essay Topic 3

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as Lock and Key help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Lock and Key? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in Lock and Key to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

(see the answer keys)

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