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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 question does Nate ask Ruby?

2. About what does Cora say she feels guilty?

3. What is Ruby's job when Jaime's family begins to arrive?

4. What does the sweatshirt that Nat gives Ruby say?

5. Where does Olivia work?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What does Cora say in response learning she is still not pregnant, and how does this bring the sisters closer together?

4. What changes have been going on with Gervais?

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

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

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

8. What does Nate bring Ruby and what is his response to her questions?

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

10. What happens when Ruby gets back to Cora and Jaime's house and is obviously impaired?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

After Ruby discovers that Nate is being abused, she is more observant to the signs of abuse. Nate is determined to put on a brave outward face. Nate is nearly an adult and he's athletic. He could fight back but doesn't, and he is determined that no one know about the abuse. This is typical of an abusive relationship. Nate has a sweatshirt of his own with "U Swim" on it, apparently a sweatshirt from the University Swim Team. He tells Ruby the words are his motto and Ruby says she doesn't understand. Nate says the alternative is "U Sink."

1. Discuss, in details, how you think Nate's abuse has helped shape him to be the person he is. Use examples from Lock and Key and your own life to support your reasoning.

2. Discuss reasons you think Nate wants to keep his abuse a secret and what you would say to him if he were your friend. Use examples from Lock and Key and your own life to support your reasoning.

3. Discuss what you think Nate means, literally and symbolically with his sweatshirt. Use examples from Lock and Key and your own life to support your reasoning.

Essay Topic 2

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of Lock and Key and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Lock and Key is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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