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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 say that makes Nate leave?

2. What does Harriet call her new line of jewelry?

3. What does Cora say will not make Ruby weak?

4. Who picks up Ruby later in the evening?

5. What do Olivia and Ruby discuss?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Cora learn about her and Ruby's mother?

2. What is Ruby's weakness and how does Nate distract her from it for awhile?

3. What is Ruby's December like?

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

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

6. What does Nate ask Ruby when she returns his sweatshirt and how does she respond?

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

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

9. What does Ruby do in the clearing after Olivia drops her there?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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