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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 see that makes her run home?

2. What does Gervais want in return?

3. On what does Ruby say she is running low?

4. What has Gervais begun to do recently?

5. What does Ruby say is her weakness?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Ruby impress Harriett at work?

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

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

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

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

6. What does Harriet offer Ruby and why does she decline the offer?

7. For what does Ruby thank Olivia and what is Olivia's reply?

8. What does Ruby learn about her father?

9. What does Ruby learn Harriet has done when Ruby arrives at the kiosk the Friday after Thanksgiving?

10. What does Cora say about leaving Ruby when Ruby was young and how does Ruby respond?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Oftentimes, a book has more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and oftentimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not.

5. What type of plot do you think Lock and Key is? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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