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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 Jamie do on Christmas Eve?

2. What do Olivia and Ruby discuss?

3. For what does Ruby thank Olivia?

4. What does Ruby say about herself and Olivia?

5. What does Cora realize on Christmas day?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How does Ruby impress Harriett at work?

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

6. What is worrying Ruby as Valentine's day is approaching?

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

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

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

10. What does Ruby learn about her father?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

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

Discuss the following:

1. Who is/are the protagonists of the story and why?

2. Who is/are the antagonists of the story and why?

3. Which 3 secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot?

4. Are any of the characters dispensable and which ones? Why or why not?

5. Do you think this is a character-driven plot or an action-driven plot? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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